Two trains collided near the town of Nova Iguaca, 35 kilometers from Rio de Janeiro during the rush hour Thursday. The accident happened when an empty train slowed to switch tracks and a second train, with over 800 commuters onboard, slammed into it.
Rescue workers are continuing to work at the scene and the wounded are being ferried to hospitals in Rio de Janeiro.
The spokesman said, "Most of those injured received minor injuries."
Experts said that the human factor or a defect with the signal control system could have been to blame for the tragedy. According to Joao Gouveia operational director of Supervia, the company that runs the trains, an investigation into the accident will take 10 days to complete.
Gouveia added that both train drivers were not seriously injured, which would play an important role in the investigation.
