This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/5370564.stm

The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Magnetic train crashes in Germany Magnetic train crashes in Germany
(20 minutes later)
An elevated magnetic train has crashed on a test track in north-western Germany, killing several people.An elevated magnetic train has crashed on a test track in north-western Germany, killing several people.
The train, which floats on a monorail via a magnetic levitation system called Maglev, was going at 200km/h (120 mph) when it crashed, a local official said.The train, which floats on a monorail via a magnetic levitation system called Maglev, was going at 200km/h (120 mph) when it crashed, a local official said.
Some carriages were left balancing on a section of track about five metres (16.5ft) in the air after the accident near the town of Lathen.Some carriages were left balancing on a section of track about five metres (16.5ft) in the air after the accident near the town of Lathen.
The driverless train hit a maintenance vehicle on the track, officials said.The driverless train hit a maintenance vehicle on the track, officials said.
"There are some fatalities - we don't know how many yet," said Dieter Sturm, a spokesman for the local administrative district of Emsland. "There are some fatalities - we don't know how many yet," said Dieter Sturm, a spokesman for the local administrative district of Emsland. name="top">
MAGLEV TRAINS Maglev stands for Magnetic LevitationTop speed (with passengers) - 450km/h (280mph)Developed by Transrapid Int in GermanyOperating commercially in ShanghaiTest facility in Emsland, northern Germany, is longest of its kind at 31.8km (20 miles) Source: Transrapid International How Maglev trains work How Maglev trains work
More than 20 people were injured, police said. The train was carrying at least 30 people at the time.More than 20 people were injured, police said. The train was carrying at least 30 people at the time.
The accident happened at about 1000 local time (0800 GMT), a local police spokesman said.The accident happened at about 1000 local time (0800 GMT), a local police spokesman said.
The test track from Lathen to Doerpen is 31.8km (20 miles) long and tourists regularly go on trips along it.The test track from Lathen to Doerpen is 31.8km (20 miles) long and tourists regularly go on trips along it.
The Transrapid system, run by Siemens, is capable of speeds of up to 400km/h. The Transrapid system, run by Siemens, is capable of speeds of up to 450km/h (280mph).
Fire engines are now at the scene and ladders are being used to reach the damaged coaches. Some debris fell from the train to the ground.Fire engines are now at the scene and ladders are being used to reach the damaged coaches. Some debris fell from the train to the ground.
The only commercial example of a Transrapid system in operation is the high-speed shuttle to China's Shanghai airport from the city centre.The only commercial example of a Transrapid system in operation is the high-speed shuttle to China's Shanghai airport from the city centre.
It was developed by Transrapid International, a joint venture between Siemens AG and ThyssenKrupp.It was developed by Transrapid International, a joint venture between Siemens AG and ThyssenKrupp.
German Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee, who is in China, has cancelled his trip and is now on his way back to Germany.German Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee, who is in China, has cancelled his trip and is now on his way back to Germany.
In August, a fire broke out on a Transrapid train in Shanghai, adding to concerns about the safety of the technology. The German companies are keen to make Transrapid an export hit and negotiations are under way about building another link in China, and also in Munich, the BBC's Tristana Moore reports from Berlin.In August, a fire broke out on a Transrapid train in Shanghai, adding to concerns about the safety of the technology. The German companies are keen to make Transrapid an export hit and negotiations are under way about building another link in China, and also in Munich, the BBC's Tristana Moore reports from Berlin.
HOW MAGLEV TRAINS WORK Opposite poles on magnets keep train above trackTrain is propelled by electro-magnetic system in the sides of the "guideway" instead of onboard engineTop speed (with passengers) - 450km/h (280mph)Developed by Transrapid Int in GermanyOperating commercially in ShanghaiTest facility in Emsland, northern Germany, is longest of its kind at 31.5km (19.5 miles) Source: Transrapid InternationalHOW MAGLEV TRAINS WORK Opposite poles on magnets keep train above trackTrain is propelled by electro-magnetic system in the sides of the "guideway" instead of onboard engineTop speed (with passengers) - 450km/h (280mph)Developed by Transrapid Int in GermanyOperating commercially in ShanghaiTest facility in Emsland, northern Germany, is longest of its kind at 31.5km (19.5 miles) Source: Transrapid International
Back to top


Do you live in the area near the crash scene? Did you witness the accident? Send us your comments using the form below. If you have any pictures you can send them to yourpics@bbc.co.uk. Do not endanger yourself or anyone else when taking pictures.Do you live in the area near the crash scene? Did you witness the accident? Send us your comments using the form below. If you have any pictures you can send them to yourpics@bbc.co.uk. Do not endanger yourself or anyone else when taking pictures.
Name:
Name: