Death toll rises to 2 in train collision in Russia's Murmansk region

MOSCOW -- A collision between a passenger train and a freight train in the Murmansk region in northwestern Russia has claimed two lives, Governor Andrei Chibis said Thursday via his Telegram channel, with latest information showing 27 people were injured.

One passengers died in hospital, and the other died while being transported to a hospital, Chibis said in a video message.

The incident occurred at 4:15 pm local time (1315 GMT) Wednesday when the passenger train, en route from Murmansk to St. Petersburg, collided with freight train wagons at Knyazhaya station.

The passenger train was carrying 326 people at the time of the collision.

Initial reports indicated that at least 10 people were injured. However, updated information showed that 27 people, including five children, sustained injuries.

"The top priority is providing medical assistance to all those injured. Doctors are currently fighting to save the lives of several passengers," Chibis said.