One killed, 100 injured in Rome train crash

A SUBWAY train rammed into another train halted at a station in central Rome during the morning rush hour yesterday, killing one person and injuring more than 100.

One of the trains was stopped in the station when it was hit from behind by the other train travelling at high speed, said Atac, Rome’s public transport company. Some passengers said the driver of the second train appeared to have run a red light.

Fire department spokes- man Giorgio Alocci said two people had died, but government officials later said only the death of one woman had been confirmed. Authorities identified the victim as a 30-year-old Italian woman.

The driver of the moving train was trapped in the rubble, but was pulled out alive. Earlier reports said he had died at the hospital, but that was later denied.

Television footage showed stunned and bloodied passengers being led out of the station, while onlookers watched from behind police lines. Witnesses said that thick black smoke filled the station, and panicked passengers screamed and ran for their lives.

The prefect’s office said that 110 people had been taken to hospitals, and that five were in serious condition.