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31 People Killed in a Train Collision in Iran

by Associated Press

   At least 31 people died in a train collision in Iran Friday, and more
   than 70 people were taken to hospitals after the crash in the
   north-central province of Semnan.

   Iranian state television showed footage of four derailed carriages,
   with two of them on fire. Rescue teams were working near the carriages
   on fire.

   The accident happened on the main line between the capital, Tehran, and
   second city Mashhad, when a passenger train in motion hit an express
   train that had stopped at a station because of mechanical problems.

   The provincial governor, Mohammad Reza Khabbaz, told state TV that the
   number of casualities is likely to rise and the cause of the accident
   was under investigation.

   According to the Associated Press, Iran reports about 17,000 deaths on
   average in traffic accidents every year. The high accident rate is
   mostly caused by drivers disregarding traffic laws, old vehicles and
   inadequate emergency services.
   Years of punitive international sanctions against Iran over its
   controversial nuclear program have seriously affected Iran's
   infrastructure, including roads and the railway network.