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Six killed as train derails

SIX people were killed when a packed passenger train derailed outside Paris yesterday.

Another nine people were said to be seriously injured after the train crashed into Bretigny-sur-Orge station, France's interior ministry said. Dozens of other passengers received less severe injuries. French president Francois Hollande abandoned his plans in the capital to visit the scene. Interior minister Manuel Valls earlier told reporters that seven people had died and dozens were hurt in what was a "constantly evolving" situation. The SNCF national rail authority said the train had been carrying 385 passengers when it derailed at 5.15 pm and crashed into the station, 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of Paris. The train was heading for Limoges. SNCF official Jean-Paul Boulet said four carriages had piled up after the train derailed.

A passenger speaking on France's BFM television said the train had been going at a normal speed and had not been meant to stop at Bretigny-sur-Orge. Two train cars, cars number three and four, initially derailed, then knocked the other cars off the track. "Some cars simply derailed. Others are leaning. Others fell over," SNCF chief Guillaume Pepy said. All trains from Gare d'Austerlitz in Paris were suspended after the accident.

? STATION: A derailed train at Bretigny-surOrge station, 12 miles south of Paris, yesterday

PICTURE: PA

? HELP: Rescue workers arrive after yesterday's train derailment

PICTURE:

Jacques Brinon/AP