6 dead after train derails in Morocco

Six people were killed and 86 were injured when a train overturned in north-west Morocco today, local media reported.

The train, travelling between the cities of Kenitra and Rabat, derailed leaving its carriages overturned on the side of the tracks.

Wreckage of a train is seen after it derailed in the town of Sidi Bouknadel between Rabat and the northwestern city of Kenitra in Morocco on 16 October, 2018 [Jalal Morchidi/Aadolu Agency]

Eyewitnesses at the scene took to social media and wrote: “Some citizens are helping the stranded”.

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Mohamed Rabie Khlie, head of the kingdom’s national railway company ONCF, said: “The derailment has killed six people according to the latest count and left 86 injured in serious condition.

“An investigation has been opened to determine the causes of the accident.”

Initial reports from the scene suggested two trains had collided but officials said one train had derailed.

Police officers inspect the area after a train derailed in the town of Sidi Bouknadel between Rabat and the northwestern city of Kenitra in Morocco on 16 October, 2018 [Jalal Morchidi/Anadolu Agency]