Today in the Merano area of the Trentino Alto Adige region of northern Italy a train was derailed at around 9am Italian time. The train was between Castelbello and Laces. The train left Malles at 8.20 am. Recent reports in the Italian press indicate that between 9 and 11 people have lost their lives. Around 30 passengers have been injured.
The accident may have been caused by poor maintenance to an irrigation system which possibly led to the landslide, although the exact cause is not certain. The approximate location of the derailment is shown on this Google map: Castelbello.
A ‘numero verde’ emergency helpline number has been set up, although it is for people resident in Italy, and information in English may not be available. The number, which the local Alto Adige newspaper pointed me towards is: 800 751 751
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It is not yet known if any foreign travellers have been killed or injured. Rescuers are continuing to search the wreckage and the landslide for other victims. Road travel in the area has been disrupted.
The line concerned is very popular with tourists – although generally tourists use this route at weekends in connection with cycling in the area. Tourists don’t generally use this line during the week, when most passengers are local commuters.
This post will be updated when more information becomes available.
