Two passengers trains collided in north western Turkey today, killing one of the engine drivers and injuring two rail personnel and at least two passengers, officials and media reports said.

Hopes of a peaceful end to the showdown between Turkish troops and Kurdish rebels seemed remote today, despite the offer of a ceasefire.

Kurdish rebels who killed 12 Turkish soldiers yesterday raised the stakes today by claiming to have taken another eight hostage during the fight.

Railways investigators today began a massive inquiry into Turkey’s worst rail disaster.

A new high-speed passenger train derailed today in north-western Turkey, and officials said 36 people were killed.