Deadly ferry collision in Italy

The ferry was travelling from the mainland to Sicily

A passenger hydrofoil and a cargo ship have collided near the Sicilian port of Messina in Italy, killing at least four people and injuring dozens.

The high-speed ferry was carrying about 150 people from Reggio Calabria on the mainland and had reached the port entrance when the collision happened.

All those killed were crew members of the hydrofoil, including its captain.

The injured were taken to hospitals in Messina and Reggio Calabria. A number are said to be in a critical condition.

A fire was reported on the ferry after the collision and some of the injured were reported to be suffering from burns.

The collision took place at about 1800 local time (1700 GMT).

Messina Port Cmdr Antonino Samiani told reporters: "The bridge of the hydrofoil was destroyed."

The Segesta Jet hydrofoil is operated by Italian state railways and the cargo ship was reported to be the Susan Borchard, registered in Antigua.

The regional prosecutor's office and transport ministry have both opened investigations amid unconfirmed reports that the cargo ship cut across the ferry.

The narrow Strait of Messina separates Sicily from the toe of Italy.