The crash happened in Freihung, in eastern Bavaria, late Thursday. According to DPA news agency, it is now being assumed that the truck got stuck on the tracks and was hit by the train. The collision was followed by an explosion.

The train collided with a Romanian tractor towing a US Army truck, FOCUS Online reports, citing local police.

At least 50 people were in the train at the time of the accident, according to Bild newspaper, citing police sources.

“The train was racing at 100 kilometers per hour,” a police spokesman told FOCUS, describing the situation as “chaotic.” Police could not immediately provide details on the number of casualties.

The train was heading from Nuremberg to the city of Weiden, 100 kilometers east of Nuremberg.

The railway line remains completely blocked as hundreds of rescue workers continue a search operation for bodies. The body of one victim has been recovered so far, according to police.

Firefighters and police are still looking for the train driver, who is feared killed.

Passengers with serious injuries have been taken to a hospital by a helicopter. More than 35 ambulances are on the scene, Mittelbayerische.de reports.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW