22/04/2004

Thousands dead or injured in North Korean rail disaster

Around 3,000 people have been killed and injured following a rail explosion in North Korea, according to reports emerging today.

It has been reported that two trains, laden with flammable material, collided at Ryongchon rail station at 1pm – only hours after Kim Jong Il, the North Korean head of state, passed through on his return from talks in China.

Mr Jong Il had been discussing his country's nuclear weapons programme with the Chinese.

According to reports on South Korean television YTN, the incident occurred around 30 miles south of the Korean-Chinese border; and only nine hours after Kim Jong Il was in the area.

It is understood that there has as yet been no official confirmation from the Korean government.

(gmcg)

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