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South Africa train crash kills 20 S Africa train kills farm workers
(about 1 hour later)
At least 20 people have been killed in South Africa after a train collided with a truck carrying farm workers, broadcaster SABC has reported. At least 27 people have been killed in South Africa after a train collided with a truck carrying farm workers, the South African Press Association says.
The truck was crossing rail tracks near Somerset West, just outside Cape Town, when the accident happened shortly before 0800 local time (0600 GMT).The truck was crossing rail tracks near Somerset West, just outside Cape Town, when the accident happened shortly before 0800 local time (0600 GMT).
At least eight other passengers were injured in the crash. Three were in a critical condition, paramedics said. At least six other workers were injured in the crash. Three were in a critical condition, paramedics said.
Witnesses said the truck stalled at a level crossing, which had no barriers.Witnesses said the truck stalled at a level crossing, which had no barriers.
The rail company, Metrorail, said no-one on the train was hurt, but many of the passengers were suffering from shock.The rail company, Metrorail, said no-one on the train was hurt, but many of the passengers were suffering from shock.
'Bang and smoke''Bang and smoke'
More than 30 people - workers from a local wine farm - were travelling on the truck, paramedics told the South African Press Association. More than 30 people - workers from a local wine farm - were travelling on the truck, paramedics said.
An eyewitness, Ray Weyer, said passengers on the train heard a bang and saw smoke.An eyewitness, Ray Weyer, said passengers on the train heard a bang and saw smoke.
"They all descended from the train and walked toward the nearest station," he told South African radio."They all descended from the train and walked toward the nearest station," he told South African radio.
The train was bound for Cape Town and Metrorail say rail services on that line will be suspended for several hours.The train was bound for Cape Town and Metrorail say rail services on that line will be suspended for several hours.
Last year, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said the number of level crossing accidents in South Africa was unacceptable.Last year, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said the number of level crossing accidents in South Africa was unacceptable.


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