Seven die as landslide hits Italian train

Seven people died after their train was hit and derailed by a landslide in Italy today.

At least another 20 were injured were injured near the city of Merano, about 180 miles north of Venice.

Firefighters in nearby Bolzano said that the landslide had hit the train at around 9am local time (8am Irish Time).

Italy’s Ansa news agency said many of the injured were in a critical condition.

The line is one of Italy’s most modern and was opened only five years ago.

The line runs along the Adige river on one side and mountains on the other.

A transport official in Bolzano said the landslide took place when an irrigation pipe burst, sending rocks, debris and water down onto the oncoming train.