Death toll from Cairo train crash rises to 22

CAIRO (AA) – The death toll from yesterday’s train accident in Egyptian capital Cairo rose from 20 to 22 on Thursday, according to Egypt’s Health Ministry.

On Wednesday, a train crashed into a barrier at Cairo's Ramses Station, the capital’s largest train terminal, causing a fire after a fuel tank blew up.

In a Thursday statement, Health Minister Hala Zayed said the death toll had risen further after two more people -- including a paramedic -- succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.

In the wake of the accident, Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli visited the train station, where he vowed to hold responsible parties to account.

Later the same day, Madbouli accepted the resignation of Transport Minister Hisham Arafat.

Egypt’s attorney-general, meanwhile, has ordered an investigation into the crash.

Egypt’s railway system has a relatively poor safety record due to poor management and a lack of investment in rail infrastructure.

In 2002, more than 350 people were killed when fire ravaged a passenger train near Cairo.