(Reuters) – Two people were killed and nine injured today when a train undergoing a test run by Chile’s state railway company (EFE) collided with a cargo train operated by private rail firm Fepasa, EFE said in a statement.
The incident happened in the San Bernardo area shortly after midnight when an EFE train, performing a test run, collided with a stationary Fepasa train carrying approximately 1,346 metric tons of copper.
The injured, including four Chinese nationals, were part of the test train crew and are currently receiving medical treatment. Local law enforcement has opened an investigation into the accident.
“The nine people are, at this moment, in serious condition, but they have all been evacuated and are not in life-threatening danger,” Prosecutor Aravena said during a press conference to local media.
EFE confirmed that the two fatalities were operators of the Fepasa cargo train.
The rescue operation involved personnel from the San Bernardo and Buin fire departments. Initial findings indicated that the passenger train was conducting speed maneuvers when it collided with the stationary cargo train, according to Aravena.
