UPDATE 1 – Trains collide near Düsseldorf in western Germany, injuring 5

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By BNO NEWS

A passenger train has collided with a freight train in the town of Meerbusch in western Germany, injuring at least 5 people, local officials say. Rescue workers are at the scene and some passengers remain stuck inside.

The accident happened at about 7:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday when the passenger train collided with a freight train outside the Meerbusch-Osterath station in Meerbusch, a town just outside Düsseldorf, about 37 kilometers (23 miles) from the border with the Netherlands.

Up to 150 people were on board the train, which was operated by National Express. The Meerbusch Fire Department confirmed that at least five people had been injured, down from initial estimates of between 20 and 50 victims.

A large number of emergency services responded to the scene, including firefighters from neighboring towns. An unknown number of people remained stuck inside the train as of 9 p.m. because a broken overhead line which was preventing firefighters from gaining access.

The cause of Tuesday’s accident was not immediately known.

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