At least four dead after head-on train collision in Czech Republic

A passenger train has collided head-on with a freight train in the Czech Republic, killing at least four people on board, officials said this morning.

At least another 23 people were injured, Interior Minister Vít Rakušan said about the crash that took place late on Wednesday night local time in the city of Pardubice, some 100km east of Prague.

The fast train belonged to the private RegioJet company, Rakušan said.

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Transport Minister Martin Kupka said the major track between Prague and the eastern part of the country had to be closed while authorities investigate.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala called the crash a big tragedy and offered his condolences to the relatives of those killed.

National rail operator Sprava Zeleznic spokesman Martin Kavka told AFP the number of casualties may grow.

More to come.

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