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73 injured in train accident in Egypt

Xinhua, February 11, 2016 Adjust font size:

At least 73 people were injured Thursday when a train overturned in Upper Egypt's governorate of Beni Suef.

The train, en route from Aswan to Cairo, overturned when its engine hit a cement block, causing the train to veer off the tracks, said Transport Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Ibrahim.

A total of 49 individuals were discharged from hospital after receiving medical care, he said.

The train driver was held responsible for the accident since he did not abide by the control tower's instructions, with the train almost colliding with another train, added the spokesman.

Traffic accidents are common in Egypt due to poorly maintained roads and a general disregard for traffic laws.

In November 2014, at least 27 people died and 32 others were injured near Cairo when a freight train crashed into a mini-bus and a truck.

Experts blame lack of maintenance and poor railway network conditions for the recurrent accidents. Endit