DAMMAM, 11 April 2007 — A train traveling from Riyadh to Dammam collided with a van that had become stuck after the driver attempted to cross a railway track at an undesignated point.
According to sources, the driver had left the van before the collision.
“All passengers and the train crew are well and safe. Only the train suffered some damages,” said a source, adding that three trains were cancelled and two were delayed.
The accident took place in the desert 68 kilometers from Riyadh, and resulted in the closure of that particular rail line.
An investigative team was immediately sent to the location to take stock of the situation and another train was used to tow the damaged train to Riyadh.
Passengers were given seats on other trains traveling to Hofuf and Dammam.
Sources say that rain and sandstorms in the area led to a further delay in the transfer of passengers.
Regulations are in place forbidding drivers from crossing railway tracks except at designated crossing points. However, many motorists ignore such traffic rules.
