5 Arrested over Egyptian Train Crash

Five more people have been arrested in connection with a train crashing into a barrier at a railway station last week in Cairo, Egypt, bringing the total number of people detained over the incident to 11.

The crash took place on Wednesday, 27 February, at Ramses Station, causing the unmanned train’s fuel tank to explode and engulf the platform in flames. At least 25 people died and 47 more were injured.

Two days later, six individuals – two train conductors, their aides and two other rail workers – were arrested. It was discovered that the train was left unattended after a brawl ignited between the conductors. The brakes had not been applied, causing the train to move at a high speed.

In a statement released late on Tuesday, 5 March, Prosecutor General Nabil Sadek announced that five more individuals had been arrested.

Altogether, the 11 detainees face charges of manslaughter and damaging public property.

The Egyptian government has since announced that it is working on a plan to overhaul the country’s antiquated railway network.