Egypt Reopens Cairo–Aswan Railway After Deadly Collision
Trains between Cairo and Upper Egypt are running again after two passenger services collided near El-Ayyat, south of Cairo, on Sunday, 8 November. Seven people were killed and 125 injured, Egypt’s Health Ministry said. Egyptian National Railways (ENR) confirmed on Monday that crews had removed damaged carriages, repaired the track and reopened the Cairo–High Dam line in both directions, including services towards Luxor and Aswan.
Train No. 134, travelling from Giza to Fayoum, hit the rear of stationary Cairo–Aswan train No. 2010 between Kafr Ammar and Al-Raqqa stations, derailing several carriages. Authorities deployed 72 ambulances on Sunday. While the railway was closed, ENR diverted Upper Egypt services and the Transport Ministry arranged buses between Al-Wasta and El-Ayyat, and between El-Moneib and El-Ayyat, to help stranded passengers.
Egypt’s Public Prosecution is investigating how the collision happened, including why the Aswan-bound train had stopped. A technical committee is examining the carriages, track and operating procedures, while investigators continue interviewing passengers. The driver of train 134 was among those killed. The Health Ministry reported that 71 injured people had been discharged after treatment. No cause or responsibility has yet been officially established.
Cairo–Aswan Trains: Services and Refunds
- Route: Cairo–High Dam line, including services towards Luxor and Aswan.
- Status: Services resumed in both directions on Monday, 9 November.
- Earlier disruption: Train diversions and replacement buses operated during Sunday's closure.
- Refunds: Passengers who cancelled affected journeys can request refunds at railway station ticket counters.
- Before departure: Confirm your train's status and departure station with ENR.
Passengers who cancelled their journeys because of Sunday’s disruption can request a ticket refund at railway station counters, ENR said. Bring your ticket or booking reference and ask staff whether your journey qualifies; the announcement did not offer refunds for unaffected future travel. With the main route reopened, passengers heading to Luxor or Aswan should still confirm their individual train and departure station before setting off.