48 die as train falls into ravine

BRAZZAVILLE – Four train cars full of passengers fell into a ravine in Republic of Congo after a derailment, leaving at least 48 people dead and more than 400 others hurt, said top government officials, who yesterday said excessive speed caused the deadly crash.The government called for three days of national mourning in a statement issued yesterday after a meeting of top officials summoned by President Denis Sassou-Nguesso. Government spokesman Bienvenu Okiemy also said the government will pay for victims’ funerals and that mourning will begin Saturday. (AP)