Egyptian authorities said two passenger trains collided in Giza province, south of Cairo, on Sunday, November 8, killing at least seven people and injuring at least 125, and the government opened an investigation.
The crash happened in al-Ayyat district, about 52 kilometres (32 miles) from Cairo. One train was travelling from Giza toward Fayoum. It struck the rear of a train travelling from Cairo to Aswan.
Several carriages left the tracks. Officials said the conductor was among those killed. The reported number of people killed and injured rose as authorities updated earlier reports.
The Health Ministry said more than 70 injured passengers had left hospital after receiving treatment. Emergency crews, ambulances and cranes were sent to the scene to rescue passengers. They were also sent to take injured people to nearby hospitals and clear the wreckage.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi ordered an urgent inquiry. He said anyone found to have been careless should be held responsible. Prosecutors said investigators had arrived at the site to find out what technical problems caused the crash.
The collision happened in a district with a history of serious rail accidents. Egypt continues efforts to modernize its aging railway network.