At least 20 persons killed as two trains collide in Italy
No fewer than 20 persons have been killed after two passenger trains collided in southern Italy, reports say.
The trains ran into each other on a single line at a location between the coastal towns of Bari and Barletta, officials say.
It is very likely that the death toll will rise.
A small child has been rescued from the wreckage as emergency service continue to free passengers.
The child has been airlifted to hospital, BBC reports.
Local media reports say one of the trains had departed from Andria while the other left from Corato. Both were traveling at high speed.
The number of passengers on the train at the time of the incident is not readily available.
Corato Mayor Massimo Mazzilli says the damage done is like that of a plane crash.
It is “the worst scene of my life”, an unidentified man who was among the first to arrive the scene is quoted to have said.
Italy’s Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, has reportedly interrupted his trip to Milan and returned to Rome.
He says a thorough investigation will be carried out..
