Belgium train crash: At least three dead and 40 injured after two trains collide
AT LEAST three people have been killed and nine others are in hospital after two trains crashed in Belgium.
At least three people are dead, with death toll likely to increase
A passenger train crashed into the back of a freight train at 55mph in the town of Hermalle-sous-Huy late on Sunday – leaving nine people "severely wounded", according to officials.
Francis Dejon, mayor of Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse, said the death toll is likely to increase.
Officials say 27 other passengers are being treated at the scene before being allowed to return home.
The crash took place between the cities of Liege and Namur at around 23.02 last night.
The passenger train is really a mess, the first car is curled up on itself
Mayor Dijon, speaking at a press conference currently taking place in Hermalle-sous-Huy, said: "The passenger train is really a mess, it's very impressive. The first car is curled up on itself.
"We are very fortunate that there are no more victims."
Emergency services at the scene of the crash which killed three and injured 40
Spokesman for Belgian railway manager Infrabel, Frederic Sacre, said: “Two trains were on the same track.
“The passenger train crashed into the back of the goods train.”
The train is believed to have crashed into the back of another train
The crash caused a violent shock injuring scores of passengers, according to Sacre.
Emergency services and reinforcements from the nearest city of Liege are at the site of the crash and are trying to free passengers who are still trapped in an overturned carriage.
A passenger on board at the time of the crash said at least one carriage was "completely destroyed".
Emergency services at the scene of the crash
The grey line shows the route the train is believed to have taken between Nemur and Liege
The passenger said two of the six carriages have derailed.
Emergency services have been seen cutting through the roof of a mangled carriage in an attempt to rescue wounded passengers.
A Foreign Office spokesman said it is investigating the incident and could not confirm or deny if any British nationals were involved at this stage.