The train collision in central Egypt on Friday, in which a number of innocent people lost their precious lives and many were reportedly injured, is so painful and unfortunate (“32 passengers killed, over 160 injured as two trains collide in Egypt,” March 27, Gulf Today website).

It is so important to start an independent inquiry as it was reported that “unknown individuals” triggered the emergency brakes on one of the trains, causing it to stop. The second train, which was travelling in the same direction, crashed into the first from behind.

President Abdel-Fattah Al Sisi mourned the victims of the crash in a statement posted on his official social media and said those responsible would be punished.

“Anyone who caused this painful accident through negligence or corruption, or anything similar, must receive a deterrent punishment without exception or delay,” he said in a tweet.

To avoid that kind of painful incident in future, it is important to identify the people behind it and bring them to justice.

I would like to express my deep sorrow to the families of the victims in the train collision. I offer my heartfelt condolences to their family and pray to Almighty Allah that they have all the courage to cope with this tragedy. May Allah bless the departed souls with Jannah.

Adnan Ahmed
By email