Social solidarity minister directs Red Crescent to assist in rescue efforts in train collision site in Sharqia

CAIRO – 14 September 2024: Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy has instructed the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) to promptly dispatch teams to the scene of a two-train collision that occurred in Zagazig city, in northern Egypt's Sharqia governorate on Saturday.

At least three people have died and 47 others were injured in a train collision in Sharqia Governorate in the Nile Delta on Saturday, according to Extra News.

The deaths include two children and a woman, according to the channel's correspondent.

Mohamed el Aqabi, the Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity and the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Solidarity, stated to the state-run news agency MENA that Morsy, who is en route to Sharqiya, has also directed the head of the social solidarity directorate in the governorate to expedite their response to the crash site.

The spokesman added that she has further instructed relief teams to collaborate with the ERC in delivering essential care to the victims and their families.

The Ministry of Health noted in a statement that a total of 39 ambulances swiftly responded to the collision site in Zagazig city, transporting the injured to Al-Ahrar Zagazig Teaching Hospital and Zagazig University Hospital.

The casualty figures are preliminary, with ongoing rescue operations and close monitoring of updates, according to the statement.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly promptly ordered the immediate provision of essential medical care for the injured and called on the Ministry of Social Solidarity to ensure compensation for those affected by the incident.

A specialized committee has been established to investigate and reveal the technical reasons behind the incident.

Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir, accompanied by railway officials, rushed to the scene.

Cabinet spokesman Mohamed El-Homosany emphasized that those found at fault following the investigations will be held accountable once responsibility is confirmed.