Just 18 percent of Egypt’s railway lines are operating safely, says the third annual report from the Safe Transportation Unit of Egyptian National Railways, which cites the use of old mechanical signal devices as a particular safety risk.
In 2009, according to the report, there were 623 train accidents, with an average of 53 accidents per month–compared to a total 500 crashes in 2008.
More than 140 accidents occurred at railroad crossings in 2009, averaging 12 crashes a month. During the year 65 people were killed and 200 injured in rail accidents.
The first three months of 2010 have so far witnessed 144 crashes, says the report.
Accidents are mainly caused by technical defects, including worn-out parts, and a lack of proper maintenance, as well as human error–such as disregard for speed limits, safety procedures or the proper distribution of cargo, according to the report.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
