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Six dead, 50 hurt as gas rail tanks explode in Italy

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-06-30 09:42

ROME: Two gas-filled railway tank cars exploded in the northern Italian city of Viareggio, killing six people and injuring 50, the Lucca province authorities said.

Photo illustration of railway tracks. Two gas-filled railway tank cars exploded in the northern Italian city of Viareggio, killing six people and injuring 50, the Lucca province authorities said. [Agencies]

The explosion came as the train was approaching the station in the coastal city of 50,000 inhabitants northwest of Pisa shortly after midnight, possibly due to a derailment, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Flames engulfed homes on a street alongside the station, prompting evacuation of areas located near the station.

Two small buildings were completely destroyed and emergency workers were trying to determine if the remains of anyone may be trapped under the embers, ANSA said.

The train of 14 railway cars was travelling from the north to Pisa.