Seven die as high-speed train smashes into canal
AT LEAST seven people were killed yesterday when a French highspeed train derailed during a test run and plunged into a canal.
The TGV 2369 train caught fire after hitting a bridge on a new stretch of track between Paris and Strasbourg.
Photographs from the scene show charred remains of several overturned carries, with two partially submerged in a nearby waterway. The accident happened in the town of Eckwersheim, close to the German border. It coincided with France imposing a state of emergency, but the crash was not linked to the Paris terror attacks.
Viviane Chevallier, spokesman for the Bas-Rhin region, said there was no evidence that the derailment was connected to Friday’s atrocities by Islamic State militants.
She said the authorities believe the train was going too fast when it skipped off the tracks. It is thought there were 49 people on board – mainly technicians.
Although the death toll stood at seven last night, there were indications it could rise.
Divers were yesterday searching the canal in the hope of finding more survivors. Reports suggest that between seven and 11 people were injured in the crash and airlifted to hospital. Helicopter footage showed debris scattered across several hundred yards.
The new Paris-Strasbourg highspeed line is due to open next year.
French media last night said transport minister Alain Vidalies and ecology minister Segolene Royal were due to visit the scene.