Swiss train starts trip through world's longest tunnel

The world's longest tunnel officially opened on Wednesday, with the trailblazing rail passage under the Swiss Alps aiming to ease transit through the heart of Europe.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi were on board for the inaugural 20-minute trip through 57-kilometre (35-mile) Gotthard Base Tunnel.