Train crash in Spain - 34 dead

Published on 03/07/2006 15:29

IN THE Spanish city of Valencia, 34 people were killed and 12 seriously injured when an underground train reportedly left the tracks and overturned.

150 people were evacuated from Jesus station and it is now reported that there are no more people trapped inside the subway.

Fears that the crash was the result of terrorist action have been discounted by the authorities:

"It seems this unfortunate accident was caused by excess speed and a wheel breaking just before it entered the station" government official Luis Felipe Martinez said.

A collapsed tunnel wall has also been mentioned as a possible cause for the crash or a side-effect of the derailment.

The Pope, who is due to arrive in Valencia ahead of a two-day visit due for the World Meeting of Families, has been informed of the accident and went to his private chapel to pray for the victims, Spanish state radio reported.

King Juan Carlos also expressed his condolences.