Head-on train collision leaves two dead in Chile (+Video)

Intentional.- A head-on collision between two trains in San Bernardo, in the Metropolitan region of Santiago de Chilehas left two deaths early Thursday morning. The tragedy might have been greater, but it has been reduced because one of them was a freight train and the other a test train without passengers.

Nine people have also been reported injured, four of them in serious condition. Among the injured are four Chinese citizens.

According to the Company of the State Railways (EFE) of ChileThe crash occurred at 00:15 on the main railway line between the Maipo Bridge and Nos.

The company reports that the two deceased were workers on the freight train, while the injured, of varying severity, were part of the test train.

🇨🇱 NOW | Head-on collision of trains in San Bernardo, near Lo Herrera, #Chile. (June 20, 2024). #Accident #Train

It is also reported that “the corresponding investigations” have been launched and that all cooperation will be provided to the authorities to clarify this accident, the causes of which are still unknown.

The two deceased are Chilean citizens, aged 43 and 58, according to police information collected by La Tercera. One of them was found inside the vehicle, while the second was thrown out of the vehicle due to the strong impact.

“It is a precedent that we have not experienced in this sector until now.“said the head of the San Bernardo municipality, Cristopher White, who went to the scene of the accident, adding: “What worries and concerns us is knowing why this situation occurs in a place where there are two alternative routes. It’s something unusual“.

According to the prosecutor of Flagrancia Occidente, Pedro Aravena, who was also dispatched to the scene of the tragedy, the impact occurred because, for reasons that are unknown, the test train was not warned of the presence of the freight train, which was approaching from the south, according to the aforementioned media.

However, before the impact, the crew of the passenger train noticed the presence of the other convoy and went to the last carriage, which is why the nine passengers managed to save their lives.