Argentinean Security minister visits scene of train crash that injured 80

At least 80 people were injured in Argentina on Saturday when a commuter train slammed into the bumper at the end of the line at the same station in Buenos Aires where 52 people were killed in a similar crash last year.

There were no immediate reports of deaths.

"Fortunately, no patient has died or is in severe condition," Argentina's Security Minister Sergio Berni, who visited the crash scene, told reporters.

Berni added that emergency crews transported 35 injured people to the hospital, while others with "minor injuries such as contusions and bruises" took themselves to  hospitals.

Transport officials said it was too early to say why the train failed to stop shortly after 7 a.m. (1000 GMT)

The train crashed through the bumper at the end of the Sarmiento line and ended up wedged between the floor and ceiling of the platform at Buenos Aires' Once  (ohn-say) station.

One end of the huge iron hydraulic bumper that protects the end of the line was driven deep into the train car, while the other end was lifted over the platform and jammed into the turnstiles.

Firefighters, police and medical personnel evacuated the wrecked train, but many passengers didn't wait, kicking out windows to escape cars whose doors were stuck.

The Sarmiento line is the busiest commuter rail line serving Argentina's capital and is usually packed with passengers.

The February 2012 crash killed 52 people and injured hundreds as the following cars crumpled.

Saturday's accident caused less damage to other cars in the formation and happened shortly after 7 a.m. on a weekend morning, so the toll was not as severe.


AP