6 dead in Denmark train mishap

A crowded passenger train and a truck trailer that apparently fell from a freight train collided on the Great Belt Bridge in Denmark, claiming six lives and wounding 16 others, authorities said.

The mishap took place at around 7:30 am (local time) on Wednesday on the bridge connecting the islands of Zealand and Funen, amidst high-speed winds.

Danish Accident Investigation Board official Bo Haaning confirmed that the trailer had fallen off from the goods train and hit the incoming commuter train, but added that it was to be ascertained whether that caused the accident or not, CNN reported.

The freight train was carrying large quantities of Carlsberg beer, which has its headquarters in Copenhagen, said the spokesperson of the brewing company, Kasper Elbjorn.

Meanwhile, the police said that an investigation into the accident will be initiated soon, adding that strong winds were hindering the rescue operations.

"We still do not know exactly what happened. There was a freight train with goods that came off the wagon, and a passenger train then hit it. How it happened we cannot say. What we do now is run an investigation, which is very thorough, and therefore it will take time before we can say exactly what happened," Funen police Chief Lars Braemhoj said.

He added that those who suffered injuries were out of danger and the police are yet to share the identities of the deceased.