At least 38 killed as trains collide in Greece

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is heading to the scene of a train collision in the area of Tempi, central Greece, his office confirmed to CNN Wednesday. 

At least 36 people have been confirmed dead so far, after two trains collided in Greece on Tuesday night, according to the Greek Fire Service.

The process of identifying victims has begun, Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris said early on Wednesday.

Speaking outside the hospital in Larissa, Plevris said: “As you understand this is a terrifying process for parents and relatives who are here. We will help them as much as we can.”

He said there were “some difficulties” in the identification process, but added that, “Those injured are in relatively good condition.”

More European leaders have expressed their condolences in the wake of Tuesday night's deadly train crash in Greece.

"Terrible news from Greece where a train collision has claimed dozens of lives," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Twitter.

"I have expressed my condolences to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and wished him and the Greek people great strength at this time. My thoughts are with all the victims and their families."

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo wrote: "Our thoughts go to the victims and their loved ones of the terrible train accident near Larissa, Greece.

"On behalf of the Belgian government, I have conveyed our condolences and solidarity to Kyriakos Mitsotakis."

Gitanas Nauseda, President of Lithuania, said on social media: "Our thoughts are with the people of Greece after the deadly train accident.

"Condolences to President of Greece Katerina Sakellaropoulou, PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the families of the victims."

Prime Minister of Latvia, Kriskanis Karins, said: "My deepest condolences to the families of those killed in a terrible train collision near the city Larissa, Greece. Wish speedy recovery to all injured!"

The death toll from the train collision now stands at 36 after officials corrected an earlier announcement that two more people had lost their lives.

Rescuers are in the process of identifying the dead, Greek Fire Service spokesman Vassilis Varthakogiannis said in an updated briefing, state-owned public broadcaster ERT reported. About 150 firefighters and first responders are working on site. 

As of now 66 people are being treated in hospital, with six in intensive care.  

The process of identifying the victims of Tuesday night's train collision has begun, Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris says.

Speaking outside the hospital in Larissa, a city close to where the two trains collided, Plevris said: "We have started the process of identifying the dead. As you understand this is a terrifying process for parents and relatives who are here. We will help them as much as we can.” 

“There are some difficulties in the identification process… Those injured are in relatively good condition,” Plevris added. 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her condolences to the victims of Tuesday night's fatal train collision in Greece.

"My thoughts are with the people of Greece after the terrible train accident that claimed so many lives last night near Larissa.

"The whole of Europe is mourning with you. I also wish for a speedy recovery for all the injured," she said on Twitter.

Meanwhile French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said her heart "goes out to the people of Greece" following the incident.

“Sad thoughts after the terrible train accident near Larissa in #Greece," Colonna wrote on Twitter.

"Dear @NikosDendias, my heart goes out to the people of Greece and express my sincere condolences to the victims and their families.”

At least 36 people were killed, and more than 85 others were wounded when two trains collided in northern Greece on Tuesday night, the Greek Fire Service says.

A spokesman, Vassilis Varthakogiannis, said in a televised briefing that a passenger train carrying more than 350 people collided with a freight train shortly before midnight local time in the area of Tempi, central Greece, near the city of Larissa.

The passenger train was traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki.

Rescuers are still in the process of identifying the dead, Varthakogiannis said in an updated briefing, adding that 150 firefighters and first responders are working on site. 

As of now 66 people are being treated in hospital, with six in intensive care units.  

The collision follows a nationwide carnival at the weekend which ended with a public holiday on Monday.