French Train Derails, Killing at Least 6

Train was carrying 385 passengers
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 12, 2013 12:03 PM CDT
Updated Jul 12, 2013 3:32 PM CDT
French Train Derails, Killing at Least 7
French president Francois Hollande, left, at the site of a train accident in the railway station of Bretigny-sur-Orge.   (AP Photo/Kenzo Tribouillard, Pool)

An intercity train carrying at least 350 passengers from Paris to Limoges derailed today, killing at least six people and injuring more than 22, the BBC reports. The death toll was revised down from a previously reported seven. A rep for France's national railway says the train crashed into the station at Bretigny-sur-Orge, some 12 miles south of Paris. The train's third and fourth carriages derailed first, bringing others with it, he said, but couldn't yet confirm what caused the derailment.

"Shortly after departure, just as I was getting into my book, we felt a first shock that shook the carriage I was in," a passenger told the AFP, per the BBC. "Then there was a second shock and the carriage lifted up, then a third and a fourth and the carriage went over on its side." French President Francois Hollande has already visited the site of the crash, which he called a "catastrophe," promising a thorough investigation would take place, Reuters reports. (More France stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X