© REUTERS/ Vincent Kessler
A high-speed TGV train derailed in Eckwersheim in the Bas-Rhin department of Alsace in northeastern France mid-afternoon on Saturday.
Officials said that out of the injured, 12 are in serious condition.
Several people have been airlifted from the scene on a helicopter, RTL reports. The train was carrying 49 people, all of whom were employees of SNCF national railways.
Local officials told AFP that the accident was apparently caused by "excessive speed."
The train derailed while on a bridge and the cars fell into the Marne-Rhine canal, according to witness reports. Photos from the scene show smoke coming from the carriages.
The TGV that has derailed in Eckwersheim was a test train on the new TGV line. No passengers on board. (Info SNCF) https://t.co/YVvghuxqQE
— Jillian van Turnhout (@JillianvT) November 14, 2015Selon le journal "le républicain Lorrain" il y aurait 5 morts #TGV #Accident @infos140 pic.twitter.com/WxeeuTUhoZ
— Lunon (@Lunon92) November 14, 2015The accident happened on a new high-speed line between Paris and Strasbourg, which hadn't been used before. According to reports, the train line was due to be opened next year.
There have been no terror-related reports.
Nombreux blessés pris en charge par pompiers et samu pic.twitter.com/SKiF5mZ71Y
— Aurélien Poivret (@AurelienPoivret) November 14, 2015
Comment: Coincidence or...?
Curiously, the worst terror attack in France until the atrocities committed in Paris on Friday 13th was a train bombing on the Paris-Strasbourg railway line in 1961.