OSLO, Norway (AP) -- Two passenger trains carrying 96 people collided in Norway Tuesday, killing at least three people and injuring several others, authorities said.
At least one locomotive was overturned, and one passenger car was on fire, witnesses said. The Norwegian news agency NTB said police confirmed that at least three people had been killed, another was seriously injured and several others suffered lesser injuries.Nita Kapoor of the Norwegian state railroad NSB said authorities had few details, but the "situation is very serious."
The trains collided about 1:30 p.m. at the Aasta Station in Aamot township near the town of Rena, 110 miles north of the capital, Oslo. One train was headed south from Trondheim and the other was headed north from Hamar, NSB said. NSB said 96 people were aboard the two trains.
"We have control over the situation in the degree possible in relation to such an accident scene," said Aamot Sheriff Per Ravnkleven, who was leading rescue efforts.
Trygve Sveum of the Norwegian Rescue Coordination Center in southern Norway said by telephone that four rescue and ambulance helicopters and 12 ambulances had been dispatched to the scene.
Passenger Robert Ulriksen said on Norway's state radio NRK that those on board tried to help each other immediately after the crash.
"We got those who were the least injured out," he said. "Passengers and baggage were strewn all across the middle corridor. It looked worse in the car behind."
He said at least one of the cars was on fire.