12 dead as trains collide head-on in southern Italy

The accident took place at 11.30 local time near Andria in Puglia province The crash happened on a single track, suggesting possible signalling error Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said the train crash was 'a moment of tears'


Two trains have collided head-on in southern Italy, killing at least 12 people.

The trains, each with four cars, collided near the town of Andria in Puglia province, close to the so-called heel of Italy.

The line has only a single track, so it is thought the crash was due to either a signalling error or a mistake by one of the drivers.

A small child was rescued from the wreck of one of the trains and airlifted to hospital by helicopter.

Italy's prime minister Matteo Renzi said the train crash was 'a moment of tears' and pledged not to stop until a cause was determined.

The accident happened at 11.30 local time as the trains passed through a grove of olive trees in the countryside outside Andria.

Italian reports said one of the trains had come from Andria and the other was from Corato, a short distance to the south-east.

The bbc reported that work is under way to make the line north of Bari double track but it came too late for the victims of today's crash.