At least 36 people have been killed and 85 injured in a train collision in Greece.

Two trains collided in Greece, killing 36 people and injuring 85, six of them seriously. This is the deadliest railway accident in Greece in decades. The reasons are still being investigated.

The collision took place in Larissa, involving a passenger train traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki and a freight train. The trains were on the same tracks. “They were driving at high speed, and one of the drivers did not know that the other was approaching,” said local governor Konstantinos Agorastos.

The first two carriages were “almost completely destroyed” in the fire, Agorastos told the local press. The first four cars derailed.

The police launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. The police have already gathered witnesses and have already spoken to the head of the Larisa section. Hellenic Train, the company responsible for the transport, expressed “deep regret” over the disaster.

“I heard an explosion. It was a 10 second nightmare,” said the 28-year-old passenger, quoted by Reuters. Another passenger said that in order to survive, he had to break a window with a suitcase he was carrying.

“The fire started immediately, when we turned around, we were burned. There were flames on both sides,” another survivor said.

Rescuers were promptly called to the scene. Rescuers were seen with flashlights looking for survivors in the disaster area.

“We have a tragedy. We take out people, the wounded and the dead. We will stay here all night until we find the last person, ”said the volunteer of the rescue squad.

Greek President Caterina Sakellaropoulou interrupted her state visit to Moldova to visit the crash site. “I am forced to interrupt the visit in order to be close to my people, to support those who are suffering,” the Greek leader said.

Police station chief Larisa was arrested hours after the clash, police told AFP, adding that charges would be announced soon.