[1] There were reported difficulties with the rescue operation due to the incident's remote location 4 km from the nearest station, Haft-Khan,[2] and because only one helicopter could reach the scene immediately to join the rescue operation.

The accident happened when an express train going from Tabriz to Mashhad stopped because of technical problems associated with cold weather between Semnan and Damghan.

The second express train, which was travelling from Semnan to Mashhad on the same track, was ordered to stop by the dispatcher, and the signals turned red.

The shift for the dispatcher changed before the technical problems with the first train were resolved.

[11] On 27 November it was announced that managing director of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways Mohsen Pourseyyed Aqaei resigned, offering an apology to the nation for the deadly incident.