Number of Victims of Apulia Train Crash Increases to 27

A handout picture provided by the Italian Fire Brigade on 12 July 2016 shows the crash site where two trains collided on a single-track stretch between Ruvo di Puglia and Corato, southern Italy, 12 July 2016. Photo: EPA

The number of people, who had been killed in the head-on collision between two passengers trains in the southern Italian region of Apulia on Tuesday, has risen to 27 people. Another 51 have been injured.

At the time of the crash, which occurred between the coastal towns of Bari and Barletta, the two trains were moving at a high speed on a single-track line.

One of the trains was en route from the town of Corato to the city of Andria while the other was traveling in the opposite direction.

The exact cause of the incident has not been established yet, with the possibility for human error not excluded.

Local prosecutors have launched multiple manslaughter probe. Rescuers are continuing to search the wreckage for any survivors or victims.

Fifteen of the injured are treated in hospitals in Andria, Barletta and Bisceglie. Four of them remain in critical condition.

The investigation is focusing on the outdated alert system on the line, which was not automatic, but instead relied on telephone calls.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi visited the site of the crash on Tuesday and promised full investigation.

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