Firemen inspect wrecked cars of a freight train in Viareggio after it exploded just outside the station of this coastal town in northern Italy, 30 Jun 2009Italian officials say two train cars filled with liquefied natural gas have derailed and exploded in western Italy, killing at least 14 people. Authorities say some 50 others were injured, many of them seriously.

The blast occurred late Monday in the Tuscan coastal town of Viareggio, about 350 kilometers north of Rome.

Authorities say the explosions and fire destroyed nearby homes and burned occupants as they slept. 

About 300 firefighters battled the inferno, as the search continued for four people still missing Tuesday afternoon.


Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.