Trains collide in northern Turkey

[John Ashworth]

Trains collide in northern Turkey

Page last updated at 09:59 GMT, Sunday, 3 January 2010
BBC

Two passenger trains have collided in north-western Turkey, killing one of the drivers and injuring at least three other people, officials said.

The accident occurred when one of the trains failed to stop at a signal near the town of Bilecik and rammed into the other train, which was stationary.

Emergency teams are working to release passengers trapped inside carriages.

Both trains were travelling between Istanbul and the city of Eskisehir, which lies to the south of Bilecik.

The injured reportedly include another member of the train crew, and two passengers who were sitting at the front of the trains.

Correspondents say Turkey's government has been working to improve the rail system, which is plagued by problems with signals, rolling stock, equipment and tracks.

In 2004, a newly introduced high-speed train from Istanbul to Ankara derailed, killing 37 people and injuring 90 others.