The dead included four Nepalese and one Indian, all men.
Another Nepalese worker who sustained multiple injuries was admitted to a nearby hospital, according to a source at the Saudi Railway Organization (SRO). The workers belonged to Archirodon Construction (Overseas) Co.
The accident happened when workers were re-laying part of a railroad.
Two rail cars carrying white stones rolled down, hitting the workers and killing five of them instantly.
The accident happened while the driver was shunting the train at a location called Kilo 407, about 25 km east of Riyadh. Authorities did not say what caused the accident.
Saudi Arabia has embarked on a massive railway expansion program.
Monday’s accident disrupted rail traffic on the route with SRO canceling two trains between Riyadh and Hofuf.
SRO’s maintenance teams are now clearing the accident site to restore normal rail services at the earliest possible opportunity.
Abdul Aziz Al-Huqail, president of SRO, promised passengers that rail services would be restored as soon as possible.
Al-Huqail said SRO has ordered a thorough probe into the accident. He expressed deep sorrow over the incident and apologized to passengers for causing them inconvenience.
On his part, Muhammad Abu Zaid, director of public relations and media at SRO, said bus transport has been arranged for passengers stranded at Riyadh and Hofuf railway stations.
“The passengers can either travel by bus or obtain a refund of tickets,” he said.
