The Hindu : 117 killed in train crash

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 26, 2002

International

International

117 killed in train crash

MAPUTO (MOZAMBIQUE) May 25. At least 117 people were killed and 400 hurt in a train crash in the southern African nation of Mozambique today, the Transport Minister said.

The accident happened on Saturday morning near the town of Tenga, 40 km from the capital Maputo, the Transport and Communications Minister, Tomas Salomao, told reporters.

``There are at least 117 dead,'' Mr. Salomao said. ``There are many in a serious condition and the death toll could climb.''

Radio Mozambique quoted police and fire department sources as saying the train had ``technical problems'' with its brakes. But Mr. Salomao said the cause of the accident was still unknown and investigators had done to the scene to investigate.

The train was described as being made up of freight cars and passenger carriages and was travelling on the Maputo-Ressano Gracia railway that links Mozambique with South Africa. The President, Joaquim Chissano, cancelled meetings in his home village of Malaice in southern Mozambique on hearing the news and was returning to the capital, a senior Minister said.

``At this time of tragedy, I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives,'' Mr. Chissano said in a brief statement.

— Reuters

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

Stories in this Section

Taiwan Air Crash: Scores of bodies recovered from sea

Summit a success, says Putin

U.K. media rapped for anti-Islam bias

Dialogue, not war: Dalai Lama

117 killed in train crash

Showcase of a splendid mix

Colombo nod for leasing oil farm to IOC

'India should play a more positive role'

ISI planning more attacks in Kashmir?

U.S.-Sri Lanka to sign defence treaty

'3 million may die in limited n-war'