A train in Saudi Arabia derailed near the city of Dammam on Friday (17th Feb) at 1 a.m., injuring 18 people. The Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) said the train derailed due to flooding from heavy rains caused the rail line to drift.
The train was carrying nearly 200 passengers and six crew members; they all were transferred to another train and taken to Dammam. It said, adding that all the injuries were minor.
SRO released a statement regarding the details of derailment. It said the train went off course because part of the track drifted at Kil 10, near Dammam, as a result of torrential floods that went opposite its regular path.
“This caused the train to go off course and carriages were separated from each other, and one train car overturned,” it said.
Saudi faced heavy rain for several days that caused several flash floods throughout the Country and at least one death in the southern Asir province.
Flooding can be politically sensitive in Saudi Arabia, where previous incidents — notably in the 2nd city of Jeddah — have prompted anger over the government’s perceived failure to build suitable prevention systems.
Soon after the accident, a situation of emergency was declared, and relevant authorities were notified according to the protocol for these situations.
A reserve train was operated to transport all the passengers and the crew members. As soon as passengers reached the Dammam railway station, first aid was administered to 18 passengers who suffered minor injuries.
Dr. Mohammad Al-Rmeih the head of Organization said that the damaged line was closed and yesterday morning, the SRO started to mend the damaged sector in order to continue services after checking the safety and readiness of the line.
The railways expressed its sorrow for the accident and it apologized to the passengers for inconveniences. Al-Rmeih praised the security and medical bodies followed up on the accident, and for the efforts of the organization’s team.
AMandeep
