Eight killed as train derails in Spain

Published Aug 21, 2006

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Palencia, Spain - At least eight people were killed and dozens injured Monday when a train derailed in Villada northwest of Palencia in northern Spain, sources of the rail company Renfe said.

Up to 50 people were reported injured, several of them seriously. More than 400 people were aboard the Intercity train, which linked Vigo with Bilbao and La Coruna with Hendaya.

Reports said two of the six wagons had derailed, possibly after one of them hit a pillar supporting a bridge on entering Villada.

Rescuers extracted people trapped in the wreckage. A makeshift hospital was set up in an industrial building. Four helicopters and 26 ambulances participated in the rescue effort.

Passengers on the train included pilgrims who had visited the alleged tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela.

Renfe announced an investigation into the causes of the accident. - Sapa-dpa

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