1 dead, dozens hurt in South Korea train collision

Collided passenger train cars are seen in Taebaek, South Korea on Tuesday.

Two passenger trains collided head-on in eastern South Korea on Tuesday, killing one passenger and injuring dozens, officials said.

Authorities are investigating what caused the crash, which occurred at about 6 p.m. in eastern Gangwon province, said Nam Young-woo, an official at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

A woman in her 60s was killed and 87 people were injured in the collision, Mr. Nam and local fire officials said. About 63 passengers were aboard one of the two trains, while around 40 were on the other train, Mr. Nam said.

The collision is the latest in a series of deadly transportation incidents in South Korea, including the sinking of a ferry in April left more than 300 people dead or missing.

Last week, a firefighting helicopter crashed near an apartment complex in southern South Korea, killing all five firefighters onboard.