Two dead in German train crash near Ibbenbueren

Police in Germany has said that at  least two people have been killed and 20 injured when a train collided with a vehicle on a level crossing.

The accident happened near the town of Ibbenbueren when the train, from Osnabrueck, hit an agricultural vehicle carrying manure, officials added.



Three of those injured were said to be in a serious condition.Initial reports suggested the vehicle had got stuck while trying to drive across the railway line.

Ibbenbueren is about 23km (15 miles) west of Osnabrueck.Police spokesman Jochen Laschke said the incident happened in a rural area, close to Ibbenbueren.

"The train was very crowded," he said."We got an emergency call at 11:31 (09:32 GMT) and rescue team, firefighters and psychologists from all over the region were activated to help."

Mr Laschke said that after hitting the vehicle, the train had come to a halt about 200m (650ft) down the track. He added that the lorry driver had not been injured.