At least 14 people were killed and 50 injured when a freight train carrying liquefied petroleum gas got derailed thus causing explosion as it passed their homes in Viareggio, Italy. About 1000 people were asked to evacuate the place following the blast which occurred at midnight. Among the injured was a 2 year old kid who was reportedly taken to the hospital after suffering from serious burn injuries.

According to sources, the accident is probably the Italy’s most deadly accidents since 2005, when a freight train collided with a passenger train near the northern city of Bologna killing as many as 17 people. “The emergency and danger are not over. The area has been sealed off and search and rescue operations are ongoing,” said Guido Bertolasso, head of Italy’s civil protection agency. The rescue workers are trying their best in order to know the whereabouts of the 30 odd people residing in buildings which have been damaged due to the accident. The firefighters tried their level best to suppress the fire which evolved due the explosion. The train which was hailing from the northern city of La Spezia derailed just before midnight after passing the Viareggio station. Television coverages showed the fire spreading down the streets of the city, lighting up cars and buildings.

Although the cause of the derailment is still unknown, some reports says that the failure of the brakes can be a possibility for the mishap. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi termed the incident as “serious and upsetting.” He is supposed to visit the inflicted area on Tuesday. Two children are suspected dead. The rescue workers are reported of providing ailments to the victims.