Tunis, Tunisia – (African Boulevard News) – A tragic train derailment in eastern Tunisia on Wednesday has left two people dead and 34 injured. The overnight passenger train, owned by the state-run SNCFT rail company, derailed and overturned, wreaking havoc on those onboard.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the derailment, but initial reports from witnesses suggest that the train was traveling at an excessive speed before it went off the tracks. Rescue and recovery efforts were immediately launched, with emergency services rushing to the scene to attend to the injured and evacuate passengers from the wreckage.
The Tunisian Minister of Transport, Amar Ghoul, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that an investigation into the incident will be carried out. In a statement, he said, “We offer our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. We also wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured.”
It is not the first time that the SNCFT rail company has experienced such a tragedy. In 2020, a collision between two trains in the province of Sousse resulted in the death of one person and injured 57 others. The incident led to widespread criticism of the country’s rail infrastructure and safety measures.
Tunisia’s rail network is undergoing a modernization program aimed at improving its safety and reliability. The country’s government has invested heavily in upgrading rail infrastructure, including the purchase of new rolling stock, as well as the implementation of advanced signaling and train control systems.
This latest incident serves as a reminder that safety is paramount when it comes to public transportation. It underscores the need for continued investment in infrastructure, personnel training, and safety measures. Such investments will go a long way in preventing future accidents and tragedies.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the Tunisian government has called for calm and urged citizens to avoid any rumors or speculation about the derailment. They have assured the public that they will provide regular updates on the situation as more information becomes available.
The derailment is a tragedy that has left families devastated and communities in mourning. Our hearts go out to those affected by this horrific incident, and we hope that those who were injured will make a speedy recovery. The government must work towards ensuring that such incidents never happen again.
