At least 16 killed, dozens injured in fiery train collision in northern Greece – National
A passenger train and an oncoming freight train collided in a fiery wreck in northern Greece early Wednesday, killing 16 individuals and injuring at least 85, Fireplace Service officers stated.
A number of vehicles derailed and at least three burst into flame after the collision close to Tempe, some 380 kilometers (235 miles) north of Athens. Hospital officers in the close by metropolis of Larissa stated at least 25 individuals had critical accidents.
“The evacuation course of is ongoing and is being carried out below very troublesome circumstances because of the severity of the collision between the 2 trains,” Fireplace Service spokesman Vassilis Varthakoyiannis stated.
Hospital items used to deal with burn victims had been alerted in the world, he stated, and dozens of ambulances have been concerned in the rescue effort.
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Rescuers carrying head lamps labored in thick smoke, pulling items of mangled metallic from the rail vehicles to seek for trapped individuals.
Passengers who obtained minor accidents or have been unhurt have been transported by bus to Thessaloniki, 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of the incident. Police took their names as they arrived in an effort to trace anybody who could also be lacking.
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A teenage survivor who didn’t give his identify advised Greek reporters as he acquired off one of many buses that simply earlier than the crash, he felt a robust braking and noticed sparks after which there was a sudden cease.
“Our carriage didn’t derail, however the ones in entrance did and have been smashed,” he stated, visibly shaken.
He added that the primary automotive caught hearth and that he used a bag to interrupt the window of his automotive, the fourth, and escape.
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Costas Agorastos, the regional governor of the central Thessaly space, advised state tv that “it was a really highly effective collision” and “This can be a horrible night time.”
“The entrance part of the train was smashed. … We’re getting cranes to return in and particular lifting tools clear the particles and carry the rail vehicles. There’s particles flung throughout the crash website.”
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Officers stated the military had been contacted to help.
Rail operator Hellenic Train stated the northbound passenger train from Athens to Thessaloniki had about 350 passengers on board when the collision occurred.
Gatopoulos reported from Athens.
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