Egypt: Railway Traffic Restored 24h After Fatal Derailment

Egypt's railway network demonstrated its resilience capacity after train No. 1935 derailed Saturday August 30 in Matrouh. Despite a tragic toll of 3 deaths and 104 injuries, technical teams restored traffic in less than 24 hours on the Alexandria-Marsa Matrouh line, crucial during the end-of-summer season.

Railway traffic resumption by Sunday morning August 31 illustrates the effectiveness of Egypt's emergency response facing persistent railway transport security challenges. This rapid recovery capacity proves essential for maintaining passenger mobility during high-traffic periods.

Matrouh Derailment: Emergency Response and Express Restoration

Saturday August 30, 3:30 PM: Seven Wagons Derail

Train No. 1935 departing from Marsa Matrouh bound for Cairo left the tracks between Fouka and Galal stations in Matrouh governorate. The National Railway Authority confirmed that track subsidence caused seven wagons to derail, with two overturning.

Immediate Mobilization: 50 Ambulances On Site

Emergency response organized within the hour. Approximately fifty ambulances were dispatched to evacuate the 104 injured to local hospitals. Most victims could leave facilities after treatment, while bodies of the three deceased were transferred to Ras El-Hekma hospital morgue.

Night Work: Restoration in 18 Hours

Technical teams from the National Railway Authority worked tirelessly through Saturday night to Sunday repairing the damaged line. This remarkable logistical performance enabled railway circulation resumption by Sunday morning August 31.

Key Takeaways

• Train No. 1935 Marsa Matrouh-Cairo derailed Saturday August 30 at 3:30 PM
• 3 deaths and 104 injuries due to railway track subsidence
• Traffic restored in under 24h thanks to teams' night work
• 14 air-conditioned buses mobilized during repairs
• Full refund offered to affected passengers

Context & Stakes: Crisis Management in Critical Period

End of Summer Season: Crucial Timing

Rapid restoration of the Alexandria-Marsa Matrouh line holds particular importance in late August. Many vacationers prepare to leave Egypt's northern coast after summer season, making this railway connection strategic for Cairo returns.

Operational Resilience Demonstration

Railway teams' capacity to restore service in under 24 hours demonstrates well-practiced emergency organization. This performance contrasts with persistent structural challenges of Egypt's century-old network.

What Changes for Transport Users and Stakeholders

Passenger Support Measures

During repair period, fourteen air-conditioned buses were mobilized to ensure service continuity between Marsa Matrouh, Alexandria, and Cairo. This fleet included seven Super Jet company vehicles and seven from West & Middle Delta consortium.

Adapted Commercial Policy

Railway Authority offered travelers free ticket cancellation with full refund, demonstrating reactive customer approach facing disruption. This measure limited impact on user satisfaction.

Operational Crisis Unit

A crisis unit was established in Matrouh governorate to monitor the situation and coordinate victim assistance. This centralized organization facilitated simultaneous management of humanitarian and technical crisis aspects.

Official Response and Security Commitment

Immediate Technical Investigation

The National Railway Authority formed a technical commission to determine precise derailment causes. This approach fits into continuous improvement of safety standards.

Minister's Announced Sanctions

Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Industry and Transport, promised "immediate sanctions" against those responsible identified by investigation. This firm position aims to strengthen safety culture within the railway sector.

Maintenance Teams Performance

Technical teams demonstrated expertise by restoring railway circulation on the Alexandria-Marsa Matrouh line by Sunday morning August 31, less than 20 hours after the accident.

Railway Traffic Resumption: Logistical Challenge Met

Intensive Night Work

Railway track restoration mobilized specialized teams working throughout Saturday night to Sunday. This exceptional mobilization minimized impact on travelers and local economy.

Return to Normal: Sunday August 31

Railway circulation resumption by Sunday morning constitutes a major operational success. First trains could circulate normally on the Alexandria-Marsa Matrouh line, restoring essential Mediterranean coast connectivity.

Limited Economic Impact

Rapid service restoration limited economic disruptions linked to this strategic connection. Regional merchants and tourism providers could thus maintain their end-of-season activities.