Nine killed in highspeed train crash
ANKARA: A highspeed train has hit a railway engine and crashed into a pedestrian overpass at a station in the Turkish capital Ankara, killing nine people and injuring 47 others, officials say.
The 6.30am train from Ankara to the central Turkish city of Konya collided headon with the inspection engine, which was checking the tracks at the capital’s small Marsandiz station, Transport Minister Mehmet Cahit Turhan told reporters after inspecting the site.
The highspeed train transits that station without stopping.
At least two cars derailed, hitting the station’s overpass which collapsed on to the train.
Three engine drivers and six passengers were killed in the crash, Turhan said. One of the passengers died in hospital of injuries while others were killed at the scene.
Television footage showed emergency services working to rescue passengers from mangled cars and debris. Hurriyet newspaper said sniffer dogs helped find survivors.
Turhan said everyone had been removed from the debris and noone else was believed to be trapped.
It was not immediately clear if a signalling problem caused the crash. Ankara Governor Vasip Sahin said a technical inspection had begun, while NTV television, quoting officials, said three prosecutors were assigned to investigate. — AP