At least 20 feared dead in SAfrican train accident

CAPE TOWN, Nov 13 (Reuters) Up to 20 farm workers were killed today when a commuter train collided with a truck near a railway station in South Africa, officials said.

''The latest toll we've had from the scene is 20 dead, but this must be confirmed,'' said Dr Wayne Smith, medical director of emergency services for the Cape Town metropolitan area.

The accident occurred shortly after 0500 GMT when the truck carrying the workers stalled at a crossing near the Eerste River station outside Faure, about 25 km east of Cape Town, according to witnesses.

Metrorail, the state-owned railway company, said no commuters aboard its train were killed or injured. It added that rail services on the line would be suspended for several hours and that it was investigating the accident.

South Africa has set aside billions of rand to upgrade an extensive passenger railway system that is marked by old stock and equipment.

REUTERS PDM KP1520