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The train collision in east China's Zhejiang Province has killed 35 people and left over 190 others injured as of Sunday night. Some 130 people are still being treated in hospitals. The Ministry of Railways has held a press conference on the latest developments in the train collision.
The accident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. Saturday on a bridge near Wenzhou, when Bullet train D301 rear-ended D3115.
The Ministry of Railways says a total of 1,072 people were on the D3115, and 558 on D301.
The first four cars of the moving train fell off the viaduct onto the ground below. The last two cars of the stalled train derailed.
An initial investigation showed that train D3115 lost power and stalled after being struck by lightning.
It's not yet clear why D301 did not stop in time to avoid the collision.
Wang Yongping, a spokesman with the Ministry of Railways, said the train's "black box" has been retrieved and experts are investigating the cause of the crash.
Wang said the ministry will make public the cause of the accident as soon as the investigation is done and will publish the names of the deceased and injured.
Wang said the damaged rails have been repaired and were ready to resume operation, but the reopening was delayed by the stormy weather. He did not reveal the exact time for the resumption of service.
Wang expressed condolences to the bereaved families and a sincere apology to all the passengers.
Despite the accident, Wang said the ministry is still confident in China's high-speed train service. However, the spokesman admitted the service is still at an early stage and many challenges remain.
Three railway officials were fired after the collision and will face investigation, including head of the Shanghai Railway Bureau.
The ministry also ordered an urgent overhaul of railway and train safety nationwide.
The spokesman said the ministry will promptly correct the mistakes and thoroughly analyze the safety system to eradicate potential risks.
An official with Wenzhou's health authority also spoke at the press conference. He said the city's medical sector is providing timely and effective treatment, and more than 1,700 Wenzhou residents have donated blood for the injured.