A train slammed into railroad workers at high speed not far from a station, killing at least five people, according to Italian authorities.
The workers, who ranged in age from 22 to 52, were killed while replacing a section of a track outside of Turin, a city in northern Italy.
They were at work on the Turin-Milan line when the empty passenger train passed through Brandizzo station at a reported 160 km/h (100 mph).
There is an investigation, according to Mayor Paolo Bodoni, who spoke to the Italian media.
Two workers survived uninjured but were taken to hospital for observation. The train operator received shock treatment on the spot and was then sent home. He is likely be questioned about the incident.
Italian railway network (RFI) released a statement expressing its “deep sorrow” for the incident. Additionally, it expressed its ” deep condolences” to the families of the deceased.
The incident, according to Mr. Bodoni, was “chilling” and a “huge tragedy“.
According to Italian reports, the workers were replacing about 10 meters of track when an empty train carrying a dozen wagons sped through Brandizzo station.
Some of the victims were dragged hundreds of metres along the track.
A communication error could not be ruled out, but the mayor of Brandizzo, a small town northeast of Turin, said he would wait until the investigation’s findings.
Source-BBC
