Train services between Riyadh and Dammam have been suspended for two days since yesterday afternoon due to bad weather, the Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) said.

The move comes a day after a Dammam-bound passenger train derailed at Kilo 101 close to Abqaiq. None of the passengers or crew was injured in the incident, the SRO said.

Muhammad Abu Zaid, SRO spokesman, attributed the incident to bad weather conditions, including strong winds, which blew sand over the tracks in many places.

Train services will resume soon after the weather condition improves, he said, adding that passengers who made bookings on canceled trains would be duly compensated. He said the service was suspended to ensure the safety of passengers. “Those who have made bookings on the canceled trains have been informed through SMS.”

The halt of service begins from train No. 6 which was supposed to leave Riyadh for Dammam at 1:35 p.m. yesterday and will continue through Sunday.

“Engine drivers have been instructed to be cautious and travel at the minimum speed even if causes delays,” Abu Zaid said.

The SRO has appointed special workers to clean the tracks and keep the rail crew abreast of the situation, he said. An additional train was sent to pick up stranded passengers and efforts were made to lift the derailed engine, he added.