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Test-run TGV train crash kills 10

November 14, 2015

Ten people died when a high-speed train on a test track near Strasbourg derailed near the German border and crashed into a canal near a bridge. Rescue teams were quickly on the scene.

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TGV test train crash in canal
Image: Reuters/V. Kessler

There were 60 technicians on board the high speed TGV train on Saturday when it crashed near Eckwersheim, leaving 10 people dead. Local authorities said the train appeared to have "derailed because of excessive speed."

The train derailed and caught fire at about 6:15 p.m. local time according to local press reports. The wreckage fell into a canal.

The crash happened on the second section of the Paris to Strasbourg high-speed TGV line, which is due to open in April 2016.

A team of divers, helicopters, local police and several rescue vehicles were quickly on the scene of the crash, which happened near a canal bridge.

Rescue teams at the TGV crash site
Image: Reuters/V. Kessler

Local newspaper, "Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace" (DNA), reported that seven people who were injured had been taken from the crash site by helicopter. A witness said she saw the train catch fire and then overturn. It may have struck the bridge before the fire started.

DNA reported that the crash was not believed to be linked to terrorism.

jm/rc (AFP, Reuters)