At least seven people have died and more than 100 others have been injured after two trains collided near Giza, Egypt. The crash caused several carriages to derail and overturn, prompting a major emergency response.

Egypt’s railway authority said one train was traveling from Giza to Fayoum when it struck the rear of another train heading from Cairo to Aswan. The second train was stationary on the tracks at the time of the collision.

Images from the scene showed overturned carriages and rescue workers searching for passengers. Emergency teams also used cranes to remove the damaged trains.

Egypt’s Health Minister, Dr Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, said injured passengers were receiving treatment for broken bones and head injuries. Hospitals in the surrounding area were placed on heightened alert to manage the large number of patients.

The driver of one of the trains was among the seven people killed, according to the health ministry.

Egypt Orders Investigation Into Train Crash

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ordered government authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. He also called for anyone found responsible for negligence to be held accountable.

Egypt’s public prosecutor’s office warned that the death toll could rise as emergency operations continued. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the final number of fatalities will remain at seven.

The Egyptian Red Crescent also provided medical assistance and psychological support to victims and their families at the scene.

Train services between Giza and the Upper Egypt region were suspended following the collision. Railway authorities have not announced when operations will resume.

Egypt’s History of Deadly Train Accidents

The latest collision occurred between Kafr Ammar and Al-Raqqa stations in the Al-Ayyat area. The location is close to the site of Egypt’s deadliest railway disaster.

In February 2002, a passenger train traveling from Cairo to Luxor caught fire. More than 370 people were officially reported killed, although some estimates placed the death toll higher.

Two additional train crashes in the area in 2009 also claimed dozens of lives.

The latest disaster has renewed concerns about railway safety in Egypt. Calls have also emerged for the country’s transport minister to resign.

International Condolences Follow Egypt Train Crash

Foreign governments and representatives have expressed sympathy following the collision that left seven people dead and more than 100 injured.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed solidarity with Egypt and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Turkey’s ambassador to Egypt also extended condolences to the victims, their families and the Egyptian people.

Meanwhile, rescue operations and investigations continue as authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the crash.