23 dead and dozens injured in Italian train collision

Two passenger trains between Andria and Corato, near Bari, Puglia, Southern Italy, had a head-on collision, killing 23 passengers and dozens hurt at 11:30 local time (9:30 GMT). according to Italian officials.

The two trains were on a single track line at the time of the crash, between the coastal town of Bari and Barletta. The Fire brigade have been trying to free passengers from the shattered carriages near the town of Andria, and succeeded in pulling small child out safely and airlifted to hospital nearby. According to reports one of the trains had come from Andria and the other from Corato, both travelling at high speed. Pope Francis sent condolences in a telegram to the archbishop of Bari, Monsignor Fracnesco Cacucci, he said he was mourning those who died and praying for the injured to recover quickly. The line managed by Ferrotramviaria, is used by thousands of commuters daily on about 200 trains.