Two people were killed and a number of others were injured when an Australian interstate train derailed outside Melbourne on Feb. 20 evening, police said.
The train, which was traveling from Sydney, came off the rails near the town of Wallan, about 30 miles (50 km) from Melbourne.
Local media carried photos showing several carriages of the train askew off the tracks, with the locomotive on its side.
“It’s believed the train traveling from Sydney to Melbourne derailed near the Hume Freeway just before 8 p.m.,” police in the state of Victoria said in a tweet.
“Two people have died at the scene and a number of others are injured.”
We’re on scene after a train derailed at Wallan tonight.
It’s believed the train travelling from Sydney to Melbourne derailed near the Hume Freeway just before 8pm. Two people have died at the scene and a number of others are injured.More info will be provided when available. pic.twitter.com/D0nBVxXI96
— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) February 20, 2020
The Age newspaper in Melbourne, citing the ambulance service, said one person was flown by air ambulance to Melbourne, four people would be taken to hospital in a stable condition, and a number of others would be taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Transport authorities in New South Wales said there were approximately 160 passengers on board the train.
By John Mair