At least eight dead in train crash south of Paris

UPI

French authorities said a train derailment south of Paris has left at least eight people dead and trapped many others in overturned train cars.

Broadcaster BFM-TV quoted police as saying at least eight people died when the train derailed and crashed into a station platform in Bretigny-sur-Orge while en route from Paris to Limoges around 4 p.m. local time, the BBC reported Friday.

Michel Pouzol, a local member of parliament, said some train cars overturned onto their sides and The Local.fr said reports indicated many people were trapped inside the cars.

The Le Figaro website said a police source revealed the trail split in two for undetermined reasons.

The Paris prefect’s office said a red alert plan was activated following the crash.