Slovak level crossing collision 'kills 10'

[John Ashworth]

Slovak rail collision 'kills 10'
BBC
10:09 GMT, Saturday, 21 February 2009


At least 10 people have been killed in a collision between a train and a coach carrying tourists in central Slovakia, officials say.

The accident happened on a level crossing near Polomka Bucnik, according to reports.

"At the moment I can confirm 10 dead and 20 injured," fire service spokesman Martin Strba told the AFP news agency.

A total of 36 people were on the coach, all from Banovce-nad-Bebravou in western Slovakia, officials say.

Slovak news agency TASR said the collision occurred at about 0900 (0800 GMT) on Saturday.

TASR said the injured had been taken to nearby hospitals and several have serious injuries.

The report said the train had derailed but its passengers escaped with minor injuries.