4 killed, several injured in train collision in Czech Republic

At least four people were killed and dozens injured when an express train collided with a freight train in the Czech Republic city of Pardubice late on Wednesday, news agency AFP quoted an emergency service spokesman as saying.

“I can confirm that four people have suffered life-threatening injuries,” local emergency spokeswoman Elena Kisielá told broadcaster Czech TV. Earlier, it was announced that two people had died in the incident.

The accident happened just before 2100 GMT near the main railway station in Pardubice, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of the capital Prague, AFP reported, citing Czech TV.

It further said that there were more than 300 passengers on the train, many of whom were foreigners. The train was operated by the private Regiojet company. According to AFP, it was heading to the western Ukrainian city of Chop, near the Slovakian border.

According to the timetable, the train, which left Prague at 1952 GMT, was scheduled to depart Pardubice at 2047 GMT. After crossing Slovakia, it was expected to arrive in Chop at 0835 GMT on Thursday.

Czech TV footage showed a carriage had derailed and passengers were being loaded onto buses near the Pardubice main station. Speaking to Czech TV, local fire brigade spokeswoman Vendula Horakova said the freight train was carrying calcium carbide.