At least 49 killed in Republic of Congo train crash, more than 400 hurt, health minister says

Republic of Congo train crash kills at least 49

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo — Four train cars full of passengers fell into a ravine in Republic of Congo after a derailment, leaving at least 49 people dead and more than 400 others hurt, the country’s health minister said Tuesday.

Health Minister Georges Moyen said the toll could rise in the next few hours because 16 of the wounded were in critical condition following Monday night’s crash.

President Denis Sassou-Nguesso called a meeting of top government officials Tuesday in the Central African nation that is often overshadowed by its much larger neighbor, Congo.

Earlier in the day, a railway official said at least 60 people were killed in the crash. State radio reported that more than 300 others were hurt.

Jean Miche Ibinda, spokesman for the rail company, said the train was leaving the coastal town of Pointe-Noire and was headed to the capital, Brazzaville, when it derailed. Army and Red Cross officials rushed to the scene of the accident to help the victims, he said.

The CFCO rail line that runs for about 300 miles (510 kilometers) through the country has had difficulties in recent years with its old trains and lines. Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso said the government will hold a meeting about the crash.