Germany: More than 40 injured in train crash

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN

At least 47 people were injured, three seriously, after a commuter train collided with a freight train Tuesday in the northwestern German town of Meerbusch, officials confirmed.

The train was carrying around 150 passengers from the city of Cologne to Krefeld when it hit a German Rail cargo train at 19.30 local time (1830GMT), according to local media.

The Meerbusch fire department confirmed that at least 47 people were injured in the accident with most suffering minor injuries while three were transported to hospital in serious condition.

The work of the emergency services was complicated by torn power cables which posed a risk for the rescue teams.

Dozens were trapped in the train for more than an hour before rescue teams could begin the evacuation.

The cause of the accident was not immediately unclear.

German press agency DPA reported that the driver of the commuter train hit the emergency brake when he spotted the freight train on the line and saved the lives of passengers with his quick thinking.