Egyptian prosecutor: Train driver disabled safety system before deadly Al-Ayyat crash

Egypt’s public prosecution has revealed that the driver of train 134 disabled the train’s automatic control system before the Al-Ayyat crash, which resulted in the deaths of seven people and injuries to 125 others. Investigations also found that the station controller and supervisor at Al-Raqa station failed to monitor the signal control panel, and that the controller tampered with the signal logbook to conceal evidence of negligence.

In a statement, the prosecution said a technical inspection of the train and station control systems confirmed the driver had disabled the safety mechanism. During questioning, both the station controller and supervisor admitted to neglecting their duties in monitoring the control panel for signal tower T10.

The findings regarding tampering with the signal logbook were corroborated by the testimony of the head of the Central Administration for Signals and Communications, as well as senior officials from the Egyptian National Railways, including the chairman and deputies for infrastructure, maintenance, operations, and safety.

The prosecution has ordered the detention of the station controller and supervisor pending further investigation, and has taken the train driver’s assistant into custody until he can be questioned. Several injured passengers were interviewed, and they confirmed that the train was traveling at high speed from its departure at Al-Ayyat station until the collision occurred.

To determine the causes and responsibilities related to the accident, the public prosecutor has formed a technical committee from the Faculty of Engineering at Cairo University to examine the Egyptian National Railways’ operations. The committee will assess safety, operational procedures, equipment, human factors, and the signaling system, as well as review recent upgrades and their effectiveness in preventing accidents.

The committee’s mandate also includes reviewing records of previous accidents and related reports to identify recurring factors behind train derailments, and visiting the crash site to pinpoint shortcomings, negligence, and those responsible, regardless of their position.

Investigative teams have inspected the crash site, secured surveillance footage, and interviewed eyewitnesses. Other teams visited Al-Ayyat Central, Atfih Central, and Beni Suef University hospitals to examine the victims’ bodies, speak with their families, and interview the injured.

In monitoring the condition of the injured, Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar instructed his deputy, Amr Qandil, to visit hospitals and oversee medical care for the victims. The total number of casualties stands at 132, including 125 injured and seven fatalities.

The Ministry of Health said injuries ranged from bruises, abrasions, and fractures in the limbs, pelvis, and spine, to lacerations on the head and face, as well as chest and rib injuries. All patients are receiving appropriate medical care according to their condition. Seventy-one people have been discharged after treatment, while 43 remain hospitalized under observation.