Oslo [Norway], August 16: One person was killed and several others were injured on Friday afternoon when a passenger train collided with a farm vehicle and derailed in southern Denmark, local authorities said.
The InterCityLyn 951 service, carrying about 95 passengers, was traveling between Tinglev and Kliplev on its way to Sonderborg when it struck the vehicle at a level crossing south of Bjerndrup, according to Denmark's national rail operator DSB. The front carriage derailed and overturned in a field, DSB CEO Flemming Jensen said.
Police informed DSB of casualties, including at least one fatality whose identity has not been confirmed.
At a press conference Friday evening, police inspector Gert Bisgaard said the crossing had no barriers. He added that police would remain at the scene for some time and urged the public to respect cordons and avoid the area.
Two injured passengers were airlifted to hospital, while several others also suffered injuries. Authorities have activated support services to assist passengers and those affected.
Among the passengers were a class of 25 pupils and their teachers from a school in Sonderborg, according to the municipality. None of the children were seriously injured, though they were described as shaken. One student was taken to hospital due to diabetes, and 10 others underwent medical checks.
Train services between Tinglev and Sonderborg have been suspended for the rest of Friday and all of Saturday, with replacement buses in operation. DSB has set up a crisis hotline for victims' families. An investigation team from Banedanmark, the rail infrastructure manager, is working to determine the cause of the accident.
Source: Xinhua
