1 dead, dozens injured in S. Korean passenger train collision

One female passenger in her 50s or 60s has been confirmed dead, and dozens of others wounded. The number of casualties was feared to increase because 65 passengers were taken to a nearby hospital. A total of 103 people were on board the crashed trains, Xinhua reports. The trains collided at about 5:50 p.m. local time in the single- track between Taebaek Station and Mungok Station, located in Taebaek, the eastern Gangwon Province. The collision was estimated to be caused by the signal failure as the two trains collided in the same track. Some passenger cars were derailed after the crash. Witnesses said the terrific explosion sound was heard when the trains collided. Some 100 passengers escaped from the crashed trains through their own efforts. A number of fire engines and rescuers were dispatched to the site.