Freight train tarpaulin rams passenger train on Danish bridge, killing many

Several people were killed in a train accident Wednesday on a Danish bridge linking the central islands of Zealand and Funen, police said. Police did not provide further details about those killed or the number of people injured in Wednesday's incident, which took place about 8 am local time.

Danish media reported that a tarpaulin on a freight train hit a passenger train going in the opposite direction toward Copenhagen, prompting it to brake suddenly. The passenger train had departed from the city of Odense, on the central Danish island of Fyn. The Storebaelt bridge is part of a system of bridges and a tunnel linking the Danish islands. Denmark's TV2 showed images of a freight train the tarpaulin that covered the train torn in pieces. It reported that eight people were injured. Police are scheduled to give a news conference later Wednesday.

In a statement, police urged passengers to contact next of kin to inform them of their safety. The accident took place on a road-and-rail bridge, part of a transport system consisting of a road suspension bridge and a railway tunnel. The transport system was closed to cars Wednesday because of strong winds but trains could pass.

(With inputs from agencies.)