58 trains suspended after E China train crash

Updated: 2011-07-24 17:56

(Xinhua)

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WENZHOU - The operation of 58 trains was suspended on Sunday after a train collision and derailment in east China's Zhejiang province killed at least 35 people and injured more than 200, railway authorities said.

The Ministry of Railways said the damaged train tracks are under repair, with service expected to be resumed by 6:00 pm Sunday.

The derailment occurred at 8:38 pm Saturday near the city of Wenzhou. High-speed train D301 rear-ended bullet train D3115, which allegedly lost power after being hit by lightning.

Four of the D301's coaches fell off an elevated bridge, while two of the D3115's coaches were derailed.

Local railway authorities have ordered two temporary service trains to carry stranded passengers away from the accident site. The injured passengers have been taken to local hospitals for treatment, said the ministry.

The ministry promised full ticket refunds for passengers who were supposed to take the suspended trains.

The ministry also expressed condolences to the victims of the accident.

President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao called for all-out efforts to rescue the passengers after the accident. Vice-Premier Zhang Dejiang is leading a work team in Wenzhou to assist in relief work and conduct an investigation into the accident.