Firefighters in southern Italy say at least a dozen people have been killed when two trains collided head-on in Puglia.
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Three of the lead cars of the two trains were completely destroyed by the crash, and passengers and debris were scattered in olive tree orchards near the track.
Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has described the crash as “a moment for tears”, while local authorities have issued an urgent appeal for blood donations.
The crash on Tuesday occurred in countryside between the towns of Corato and Andria.
“We are working with dozens of rescue teams to open up the carriages”, said Mr Luca Cari, a fire service spokesman, adding that they had saved a young boy from the wreckage.
More than 200 trains use the line every day and work had been taking place to add an extra line to ensure an collision can not happen.
Giuseppe Corrado, vice president of the province of Andria, told Sky TG24 the death toll stood at 20 and that rescue operations were continuing.
The trains were operated by private railway company Ferrotramviaria – just one of the 30 or so private companies which run on small lines criss-crossing Italy in areas not covered by national operator Trenitalia.
Both trains had four carriages. Last December the company had announced plans to install the Italian SCMT automatic train protection system on the Ruvo – Bitonto section of the Bari – Barletta line.
A field hospital was also set up by rescuers near the site for people requiring emergency treatment.
Massimo Mazzilli, mayor of Corato, posted photos of the wreckage on his Facebook page.
Italy’s transport minister Graziano Delrio was on his way to the scene along with two ministry inspectors to aid the investigation.
Ferrotramviaria’s website said its fleet comprises 21 electric trains, most with four cars each.
Local fire brigade commander Riccardo Zingaro told Rai TV: ‘Some of the carriages are utterly crumpled and the rescue services are pulling people out, many are wounded.
At least 12 people are believed to have been killed when these two trains collided. By mid-afternoon a giant crane had arrived at the scene to start lifting the smashed carriages to see if any bodies were trapped under the wreckage.
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In 2009, 29 people died after a train carrying gas derailed, sparking an explosion. A child was pulled out alive and immediately transported to a local hospital. Their passengers were mostly commuters and university students.
