skip to main content

Passengers trapped as Portuguese train derails

A train popular with tourists has derailed in Portugal, killing one person and injuring 25 with many passengers still trapped.

Emergency officials in the northern town of Bragança said there were reports the train derailed after an explosion in the first carriage.

The train was carrying 47 people when it came off the rails in rugged countryside close to Bragança.

10 of the injured are said to be in a 'serious' condition, the civil protection service said in its provisional toll.

Four helicopters were used to transport the most seriously hurt, alongside a fleet of ambulances. About 100 firefighters were struggling to cut passengers free.

The train was going from Tua to Mirandela and derailed near the village of Brunheda just after 11am.

The line is popular with tourists because it passes along the Tua river and gives spectacular views of the Douro winegrowing region.

Local radio said that the train derailed on a slope but luckily came off on the mountain side, narrowly avoiding falling into a ravine.