A tragic collision between two trains in Chile resulted in the death of two rail workers and injuries to nine others, marking a rare fatal crash in the country. The incident occurred during a test run just outside the capital, Santiago.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision, which left one train car fully on top of the other. The driver of the test train and a railway operator have been detained for questioning on charges of reckless manslaughter.
An unusual autumn freeze has gripped parts of South America, with Chile experiencing its coldest May in 74 years. Photos and videos from the scene show the aftermath of the collision, with emergency vehicles and helicopters responding to the crash site in San Bernardo.
Police inspect two trains that collided in San Bernardo, Santiago, Chile, Thursday, June 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The collision involved a freight train carrying copper, Chile’s main export, and a test train with workers on board. Security footage showed both trains traveling at high speed when they collided.
Government officials are working to determine the causes of the crash and ensure appropriate safety measures are in place. Train crashes are rare in Chile, with heightened safety awareness following a fatal collision in 2001.