'Several dead' in train derailment in Paris suburb of Bretigny-sur-Orge

Mike Gallagher

Jul 12, 2013 - 12:08

Jul 12, 2013 - 12:33

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'Several dead' in train derailment in Paris suburb of Bretigny-sur-Orge

A derailed wagon in the railway station of Bretigny-sur-Orge on July 12, 2013 near Paris. Picture: Kenzo Tribouillard

A TRAIN carrying 350 passengers has derailed in a Paris suburb, leaving at least seven people dead and many injured.

France's interior ministry said at least seven people had been killed, while a source in emergency services said there were \"several dozen wounded\".

Interior Minister Manuel Valls told reporters that the casualty toll is \"in constant evolution\", suggesting it could rise. The head of the SNCF rail authority called it a \"catastrophe.''

Officials did not comment on reports that some passengers may still be trapped on the train.

The Paris prefect's office said a \"red alert\" plan had been activated at 5.23pm local time (1.23am AEST) and the interior ministry confirmed the accident.

The accident took place at the Bretigny-sur-Orge station and involved a train heading from Paris to the west-central city of Limoges.

\"The train arrived at the station at high speed. It split in two for an unknown reason. Part of the train continued to roll while the other was left on its side on the platform,\" a police source said.

$\"Train$

A derailed wagon at Bretigny-sur-Orge, near Paris.The accident resulted in \"many casualties\", authorities said. Picture: Kenzo Tribouillard

SNCF's Jean-Paul Boulet says the train was carrying some 350 passengers when it derailed about 20 kilometres south of Paris. He says four carriages piled up.

Two train cars, cars number 3 and 4, initially derailed, then knocked the other cars off the track, SNCF chief Guillaume Pepy said. \"Some cars simply derailed, others are leaning, others fell over,'' he said.

All trains from Paris' Gare d'Austerlitz were suspended after the accident.

A passenger speaking on France's BFM television said the train was going at a normal speed and was not meant to stop at Bretigny-sur-Orge. He described children unattended in the chaotic aftermath. He said there are swarms of emergency workers at the scene.

$\"Paris$