Trains collide near Czech-German border, 2 dead

At least two people died and about 20 others were injured after two passenger trains collided head-on in western Czech Republic on Tuesday, officials said.

The Czech Rail Safety Inspectorate said the collision took place after 3pm (13.00 GMT) between the stations Nove Hamry and Pernink near the German border.

The two trains operate between the Czech spa of Karlovy Vary and Johanngeorgenstadt in the German state of Saxony.

Rescuers from neighbouring Germany were helping teams at the crash site where the number of injured could reach 30 people, a spokesman for the regional rescue service said.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.