10 killed in train crash in Czech Republic

updated 6:58 a.m. ET Aug. 8, 2008

PRAGUE, Czech Republic - A long-distance passenger train from Poland smashed into a collapsed bridge east of Prague on Friday, killing at least 10 people, railway officials said.

The crash occurred at about 10:30 a.m. (0830GMT) near the town of Studenka, about 210 miles from Prague, Czech Railways spokesman Radek Joklik said.

About 100 others were injured, he said. Rescue crews were scrambling to help victims at the scene.

Parts of the bridge near the town's railway station that had been under reconstruction fell onto the track as the train was approaching at speeds of more than 60 mph, Joklik said.

He said it was impossible to stop the train. The engine and first three carriages derailed.

The InterCity train from the Polish city of Krakow had been bound for the Czech capital, Joklik said. Some 400 people were on board, CT24 television said.

More from msnbc.com When's Palin leaving? Take our weekly quiz Looking at China unrest from Mongolian perch Adventures in Cancerland: Lust for life Red Tape: Credit card firms' new squeeze Elkhart Blog: Making sure health care isn't casualty

MORE FROM EUROPE

Europe Section Front

5 runners gored by bulls in Pamplona Spain's teen abortion proposal hits nerve   Thousands of Turks protest China violence British leader defends Afghan mission Gang leader receives life in prison for killing Newsweek: How Obama looked past the Kremlin G-8 pledges $20 billion to poor farmers Trying to bury the past, again and again Freed journalist describes Iran jail Europe Section Front   Add Europe headlines to your news reader: