Many feared dead in Italian train crash
Tuesday, 30 Jun 2009 00:00
Crash occured near Pisa
As many as 12 people have been killed with scores more injured following the derailment of a train in north Italy, officials have confirmed.
A freight train carrying liquefied petroleum gas was derailed crashing into several homes and exploding on impact. Up to 50 further injuries were reported in the seaside town of Viareggio, near Pisa.
The incident occurred at midnight local time (23:00 BST) with several houses collapsing on impact. Rescuers now fear survivors could be trapped in the rubble.
The 14-car train has been on route from La Spezia to Pisa when it was derailed. Fatalities were reported among those travelling on a road running parallel to the train line, with severe burns reported among those injured.
Some 3,000 firefighters from all over Tuscany were reported to be on the scene, with an evacuation of local homes in operation.
Specialists in the containment of biological of chemical accidents are being drafted to the scene to prevent the remaining canisters from exploding.
travelbite.co.uk staff
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