Two trains have collided on the Italian island of Sardinia, killing at least three people and injuring at least seven others, police say.
Two trains have collided on the Italian island of Sardinia, killing at least three people and injuring at least seven others, police say.
They say a 30-year-old British woman and two Italians, including one of the train drivers, were among the dead.
They say a 27-year-old British woman and two Italians, including one of the train drivers, were among the dead.
A cargo train hit a passenger train head-on between the towns of Bortigali and Birori in the province of Nuoro.
A cargo train hit a passenger train head-on between the towns of Bortigali and Birori in the province of Nuoro.
The crash occurred on a single-track section at about 0735 local time. The condition of the injured is not known.
The crash occurred on a single-track section at 0735 local time. One of the injured is in a critical condition.
Ancient track
Ancient track
Italian police believe a "communications error" caused the crash as neither driver was aware of an oncoming train, Reuters reports.
The body of train driver Cosimo Serra, 45, is still being removed from the wreckage.
The body of train driver Cosimo Serra, 45, is still being removed from the wreckage.
The third dead man, Bachisio Arca, 53, was a commuter.
The third dead man, Bachisio Arca, 53, was a commuter.
Reports say the British boyfriend of the 30-year-old woman was one of those taken to hospital.
Reports say the Canadian boyfriend of the British woman was one of those taken to hospital.
The accident happened about 3km (1.8 miles) from the station of Bortigali, in open countryside and on a railway track which dates back two centuries.
The accident happened about 3km (1.8 miles) from the station of Bortigali, in open countryside and on a single track railway track which dates back two centuries.
Italian media say that the railway track was on a steep slope which made it difficult for rescue workers to reach.
Italian media say the section of track was on a steep slope which made it difficult for rescue workers to reach.
In January 2005, 17 people were killed and 60 injured when an inter-city train collided with a freight carrier near the northern city of Bologna.
The BBC would like to hear from anyone near the area. Please use the form below to send us your details or you can text us on 61124 (if it is UK) or 44 7624 800 100 if it is overseas.
The BBC would like to hear from anyone near the area. Please use the form below to send us your details or you can text us on 61124 (if it is UK) or 44 7624 800 100 if it is overseas.
