At least six people were killed and 40 injured when two train carriages carrying gas exploded in northern Italy, Ansa news agency reports.
At least six people were killed and 40 injured when a train carrying gas derailed and exploded in a northern Italian town, Ansa news agency reports.
The incident happened in the coastal town of Viareggio.
The carriages jumped from the tracks and crashed into several homes, setting fire to a large area of Viareggio in the middle of the night, police said.
The explosion came as the train was approaching the station, and flames spread to a neighbouring street.
Five of the victims died when their house collapsed, police said.
It is unclear whether the train derailed before or after the blast. Five of the victims died when their house collapsed, police said.
Emergency crews were searching the rubble of other buildings in case people were trapped, Ansa said.
The carriages jumped from the tracks and crashed into several homes, setting fire to a vast area, police said.
Emergency crews were searching the rubble of other buildings in case people were inside, Ansa said.
The sixth victim was riding a scooter along the rail line at the time, police spokesman Raffaele Gargiulo told the Associated Press news agency.
The sixth victim was riding a scooter along the rail line at the time, police spokesman Raffaele Gargiulo told the Associated Press news agency.
The explosion happened shortly before midnight local time (2300 BST) as the 14-carriage train headed to Pisa.
The explosion happened shortly before midnight local time (2300 BST) as the 14-carriage train headed to Pisa.
Mr Gargiulo said the incident may have been caused by damage to the tracks or a problem with the train's braking system, AP reports.
Mr Gargiulo said the incident may have been caused by damage to the tracks or a problem with the train's braking system, AP reports.
The train's two engineers, who were only slightly injured, said they felt an impact about 650ft (200m) outside the station, shortly before the rear of the train derailed, Mr Gargiulo said.
Are you affected by the crash? Do you have any information you would like to share? Send us your comments using the form below.
Are you affected by the crash? Do you have any information you would like to share? Send us your comments using the form below.
The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all emails will be published.
The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all emails will be published.
