Train Hits Vehicles in Egypt, Killing 24

VOA News
18 November 2013 (2:04AM)

Egyptian officials say a train has crashed into two vehicles south of Cairo, killing at least 24 people and wounding 28 others.

The accident happened early Monday near Dhashur. Authorities say most of the victims were in a mini bus traveling back from a wedding when it was struck by the train.

Egypt's top rail official says initial reports indicate that gates at the railroad crossing were down at the time of the crash, and that the vehicle had continued onto the tracks.

The country's rail system has a poor safety record due to a lack of maintenance and poor management.

In January, 19 people were killed when a train carrying military recruits derailed near Cairo.

Last November, a train crashed into a bus, killing 51 children on their way to school.