Train Derailed In Egypt, Killing At Least 3 And Injuring Over 90 People

A passenger train travelling from the Mediterranean province of Matrouh to Cairo derailed from the tracks on Saturday. Seven carriages came off the rails, two tipped clean over. People inside were thrown around, some climbing out through broken windows, others too stunned to move.

Train Derails In Egypt, Leaving Dozens Hurt

The #UAE expressed its solidarity with the Arab Republic of #Egypt following a train derailment in Matrouh Governorate, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of people. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families… pic.twitter.com/JMPWGtDBAY

— UAE Forsan (@UAE_Forsan) August 31, 2025

By the time the dust settled, three people were confirmed dead and at least 94 more were injured. Sirens quickly filled the area. The Health Ministry said 30 ambulances were scrambled, rushing casualties to nearby hospitals. For passengers, it was supposed to be an ordinary journey into the capital. Instead, it became one of those days you never forget.

Not Egypt’s First Rail Disaster

Now, here’s the uncomfortable truth: rail accidents in Egypt aren’t rare. They happen far too often. Anyone following the news over the past decade will tell you that. In October last year, a Cairo-bound train smashed into the back of another service further south, killing one. Go back to 2021 and you’ll find the Sohag collision—two trains colliding head-on after someone messed with the emergency brakes. Thirty-two dead, more than a hundred injured.

So when officials announced yet another “full investigation” into Saturday’s crash, many Egyptians just rolled their eyes. They’ve heard it before. After all, it’s not always about one mistake by one person. The whole rail system is old, creaking, and badly run. That’s the bitter reality.

Promises, Promises

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said back in 2018 that Egypt needed a complete rail overhaul, with a budget of 250 billion Egyptian pounds—about $5bn. That’s no small change. Big talk, big figures. And yes, some upgrades have been announced here and there. But when trains keep leaving the rails, ordinary people don’t feel those billions. They just see bent tracks, battered carriages, and hear the same excuses on loop.

Let’s face it, Egyptians are tired. Tired of hearing that improvements are “on the way”. Tired of worrying every time they step onto a train if today might be the day something goes wrong. In practice, the railways are still the backbone of affordable travel for millions, but safety? That’s another story.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia And Egypt To Soon Get A Direct High-Speed Train Link Via Bridge Or Tunnel

As for the victims of this latest disaster , the immediate focus is on recovery, families mourning, and injured passengers trying to heal. But give it a week, maybe two, and the questions will come back. Will this investigation lead to real changes? Or will it be another line in a long list of tragedies that could have been prevented?

Cover Image Courtesy: Halfboyfriend22/X