Dozens die in Republic of Congo train crash

At least 60 people died when a train went off the rails and into a ravine in the Republic of Congo today.

Four carriages full of passengers were derailed and more than 300 people injured.

The train was leaving the coastal town of Pointe-Noire and headed to the capital, Brazzaville, when it derailed. Army and Red Cross officials rushed to the scene of the accident to help victims of the train known as “Ocean”, he said.

“We have a provisional toll but it is likely to get higher because of the high number of gravely wounded which ambulances are busy ferrying to hospitals in Pointe-Noire,” a government spokesman said.

The CFCO rail line that runs for about 300 miles through the country has had difficulties in recent years with its old trains and lines. Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso said the government will hold a meeting about the crash.

Republic of Congo is often overshadowed by its much larger neighbour, Congo.