Italy: Thousands of mourners pay tribute to victims of Andria train crash

Rome: An estimated 5,000 people gathered to mourn the victims of last week’s deadly train crash in southern Italy on Saturday, as 13 of the 23 victims were laid to rest. Among the mourners were Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Parliament President Laura Boldrini and Transport Minister Graziano Delrio. [caption id=“attachment_2889828” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Crumpled wagon cars are seen after two commuter trains collided head-on near Andria, in Puglia. Italian Firefighter Press Office via AP[/caption] The politicians were seem embracing grieving relatives, who were all seated in the front row. The 13 simple wooden coffins were decorated with flowers, pictures and stuffed animals. There were also white balloons for one victim, a 25-year-old student, who was planning to get married this year. The other 10 victims chose to hold the funerals in private. Investigators said a lack of an automated braking system may have contributed to the deadly head-on collision of two regional trains. The district attorney is looking at possible manslaughter charges for a total of six people, including the two station masters and individuals in charge of Ferrotramviaria, a private railway company.