Sfax — A passenger train departing from Tunis to Gabès derailed at dawn on Thursday at the level of the Sidi Saleh region, north of the city of Sfax, without causing any human loss.

Sources at the National Railway Company (SNCFT) told TAP news agency local correspondent that the derailment had been caused by an obstacle, namely a lorry tyre that had been put on the rails by unknown parties.

"This could have caused a disaster and large human loss but the reduced speed of the train which was coming near the station of Sidi Saleh has allowed to avoid the worst," the sources said.