Feb.  22, 2002

Mubarak delivers sympathetic speech to bereaved families of the train victims

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful. It has been an act of God that Egypt was yesterday afflicted with a horrific and appalling accident that left our hearts bleeding, our souls traumatized, and our homes full of grief. In the midst of this dreadful accident that claimed the lives of hundreds of our sons and left many others injured, we pray to Allah, Glory be with Him, in all submission to His inevitable will, to have mercy upon the souls of the victims and to bestow upon us patience to overcome this terrible plight.

Once heard of the accident, I was keen to know all its causes and circumstances in detail. For us, there is nothing more important than to safeguard citizens lives and safety on any spot of our homeland. So, I have asked concerned authorities to conduct an overall investigation for clearly naming the responsible. Whoever is proved to be remiss with their duties of securing citizens’ safety their homes and travels, would be severely punished as the calamity is shocking and the accident is tragic and since, for us, citizens’ lives are more precious than ours.

At the same time, I have ordered an immediate comprehensive and accurate review of safety systems in all means of transportation and other services. I have also asked related circles to hastily provide necessary aid for all bereaved families without exception.

I pay due tribute to the good sons of Egypt who rushed to the rescue at the accident scene, driven by spontaneous feeling and instinctive sense of danger and genuine solidarity with their fellow citizens, irrespective of grave sacrifices hazards and impediments . I commend the spirit of our brothers and friends who shared us our grieve over this tragic catastrophe and expressed brotherly feelings towards Egypt and its people.

After all, we pray to God Almighty, the All-hearing and the Compassionate, to bestow mercy upon the deceased and solace upon their grieved families and to save Egypt from calamities.

Peace be with you!