Investigation Launched Into Head-On Train Crash in Poland

An investigation has been launched into the deadly train crash in southern Poland on Saturday night that killed at least 15 people and injured another 59.
Investigation Launched Into Head-On Train Crash in Poland
Rescuers work at the scene of a train crash in Szczekociny near Zawiercie (Silesia) in Poland, on March 4. Two passenger trains collided on March 3,  killing at least 15 people and injuring another 59. An investigation into the crash was launched on Sunday. (Jacek Bednarczyk/AFP/Getty Images)
3/4/2012
Updated:
10/1/2015
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An investigation has been launched into the deadly train crash in southern Poland on Saturday night that killed at least 15 people and injured another 59.

Two passenger trains traveling on the same track collided in the town of Szczekociny, the Polish Ministry of Transportation confirmed, according to the Warsaw Voice.

The train on the wrong tracks was traveling southbound from the capital, Warsaw to Krakow, the country’s busiest rail route. The other train was en route from Przemysl in the southeast to Warsaw.

The force of the collision sent the locomotive of one of the trains upward and derailed several cars, according to the newspaper. Three cars were totally destroyed.

It is not yet known why the accident occurred but an investigation was launched on Sunday.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who went down to the scene of accident, said the disaster “is one of the most tragic railway disasters in many years, according to a statement from his office. At least 450 firefighters, around 120 police officers, and 35 ambulances were deployed to the area.

“We all sympathize with the victims, and above all the relatives and families of those who died in the crash,” Tusk added.

There were passengers from Ukraine, France, and Spain on board the train, according to the Voice. However, no foreigners were killed or severely injured.