26 dead as train hits truck / minibus

18/11/2013

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The accident took place close to Cairo when  the train, coming from Aswan and passing through Bani Swaif, crashed at a crossing near the Giza district.

The tragic accident could spark protests by the Egyptian public, who have long been complaining that successive governments have failed to enforce the most basic safety standards, resulting in widespread fatal incidents.

The incident is still being investigated and the Interior Ministry has promised to make a statement once this investigation has concluded.

The head of the Egyptian Railway Authority says the drivers of the vehicles ignored warning lights and chains blocking entry to the crossing, and tried to go across the tracks:

“The bus stormed the crossing, according to initial reports,” Hussein Zakaria told state television. “The crossing was closed with chains, there were warning lights.”