Home>>World
Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, July 22, 2002

Train Derails in Sicily; At Least Eight Killed

A passenger train derailed and apparently crashed into an abandoned house in northeastern Sicily on Saturday, killing at least eight people and injuring 30 others, police said.


PRINT DISCUSSION CHINESE SEND TO FRIEND


A passenger train derailed and apparently crashed into an abandoned house in northeastern Sicily on Saturday, killing at least eight people and injuring 30 others, police said.

The nose of the crumpled engine was still hanging over a bridge as firefighters and police scrambled to reach the wreckage. Rescuers used ladders to reach the engine, and residents joined in the hunt for passengers feared trapped inside.

The cause of the crash and details of what happened were not immediately clear.

Authorities gave competing versions of the accident, but it appeared the train ran off the tracks and hit an empty house by the side of the road, Col. Roberto Tortorella of the Carabinieri paramilitary police said.

Several carriages also jumped the track, he said.

The crash occurred as the train from Palermo was nearing the Rometta Marea station, about 20 miles from Messina. The area is far from major roads, and its location delayed the rescue effort.

About 190 passengers were on board, according to ANSA. Survivors were taken from the area on buses, and some were being treated for mild injuries at a hospital in Messina.

The Transport Ministry ordered an investigation into the accident.

Source: Agencies






Questions?Comments? Click here
    Advanced






Thousands March for Middle East Peace in Italy

Italy's Republic Day Parade in Rome Huge Success



 


Missing Worker Found, Relatives Mourn ( 5 Messages)

China's Economy Grew 7.8 Percent in First Half Year ( 18 Messages)

Chinese Office Software Challenges Microsoft's Win98 ( 13 Messages)

Gang of 66 Criminals Get Heavy Sentences ( 74 Messages)

Secret of China's Manned 'Spaceport' Revealed ( 3 Messages)

How to View Major Problems in China's Income Distribution System ( 134 Messages)



Copyright by People's Daily Online, all rights reserved