Four killed, many injured in train collision in Czech Republic

At least four people have been killed after a passenger train collided head-on with a freight train in the Czech Republic.

Twenty-three people were injured in the incident that happened late on Wednesday night in the city of Pardubice - 62 miles (100km) east of Prague, according to Sky News.

Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said the high-speed passenger train belonged to the private RegioJet company.

He added that none of the injured was in life-threatening condition.

Transport minister Martin Kupka said the main track between Prague and the eastern part of the country had to be closed while authorities investigate the collision.

"We can't and won't speculate about the cause of the accident," Mr Kupka said.

The state-run train company, Czech Railways, said it was likely the track would remain closed for at least 24 hours "due to the extent of the accident".

Rescuers said more than 300 passengers were on board the high-speed train heading for the city of Kosice in eastern Slovakia.

The dead have not yet been identified.

According to local news agency CTK, the drivers in both engines survived.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala called the crash a big tragedy and offered his condolences to the families of those killed.