UPDATE 5 - Fire kills 20 at Cairo’s main train station

ADDS TURKISH CONDOLENCES

CAIRO (AA) - At least 20 people were killed and 43 injured when a fire tore through Cairo’s main train station Wednesday, according to the Health Ministry.

The fire was caused by a fuel tank explosion that occurred after a train collided with a safety barrier at Ramses Train Station, according media reports. Photos shared on social-media showed clouds of smoke rising from the station.

Health Minister Hala Zayed said most of the victims’ bodies had yet to be identified.

Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli has since visited the train station, where he vowed to bring responsible parties to account.

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

Later Wednesday, Madbouli accepted the resignation of Transport Minister Hisham Arafat, which he tendered in the immediate wake of the fire.

Turkey offered its condolences to victims’ families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“We are saddened to hear that many lost their lives and were injured in a fire that erupted at the Ramses Train Station in Cairo today,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

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.