Dozens die in Congo train crash

At least 30 people have been killed following a train accident in the Pool region in the Republic of Congo.

Officials say most of the victims were stowaways on board the train that was travelling from the Atlantic port of Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville.

Communications minister Alain Akouala has said experts have been sent to investigate the cause of the accident.

The railway line between Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville is frequently attacked by Ninja rebels who control Pool.

Detached wagon

The Ninjas are the remnants of a militia group active in the civil wars in the late 1990s, originally loyal to former Prime Minister Bernard Kolelas.

Railway officials say its unclear whether the catastrophe was criminal or an accident.

The crash occurred after a wagon detached from the cargo train and plunged into a ravine.