Scenes from site of deadly train crash in Greece

A passenger train and an oncoming freight train collided in a fiery wreck in northern Greece early Wednesday, killing 16 people and injuring at least 85, officials said. Multiple cars derailed and at least three burst into flame after the collision near Tempe, some 380 kilometers north of Athens.

Hospital officials in the nearby city of Larissa said at least 25 people had serious injuries. “The evacuation process is ongoing and is being carried out under very difficult conditions due to the severity of the collision between the two trains,” a fire service spokesperson said.

Hospital units used to treat burn victims had been alerted in the area, the spokesperson said, and dozens of ambulances were involved in the rescue effort. Rail operator Hellenic Train said the northbound passenger train from Athens to Thessaloniki had about 350 passengers on board when the collision occurred. Passengers who received minor injuries or were unharmed were transported by bus to Thessaloniki, 130 kilometers north of the incident.