CATASTROPHE

Train Derailment in Turkey Kills 24, Injures Hundreds

Crash blamed on heavy rains.

A train has derailed in Turkey killing 24 people and injuring over 300. Five of the six cars of the passenger train—which was heading to Istanbul from Edirne, near the border with Greece—derailed Sunday with 362 passengers and six crew members on board. Deputy Prime Minister Recep Akdag said heavy rain had caused the ground under the rails to collapse. A media ban preventing reporting on the disaster was issued Sunday by the government, citing national security, but was lifted Monday. Health Minister Ahmet Demircan said 318 were injured, with some 124 of them still being treated in hospitals. Transport Minister Ahmet Arslan said seven other trains had used the route earlier but the rain caused “extraordinary swelling.” Judicial and administrative investigations have been launched.