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Problems plague Egypt’s roads, rails

Egypt's railroad safety is under discussion following recent train accidents.
Egyptian rail road workers stand beside a train which caught fire about 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Cairo February 20, 2002. Around 50 Egyptians trapped in a burning passenger train died in the inferno south of Cairo overnight. - RTXL2VJ

CAIRO — Two horrific accidents on the same day in Egypt earlier this month have brought transportation safety into question as authorities examine numerous flaws in the system. Officials claim those problems range from poor maintenance to drug-addicted drivers to unqualified employees hired through nepotism.

A bus and a truck collided Sept. 7 south of Cairo, leaving 22 people dead. Just a few hours later, train No. 80 from Cairo to Aswan derailed and three cars overturned, leaving five passengers dead and 31 injured, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health.

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