A small regional train derailed on Monday morning in Italy's northern Alto Adige mountainous region, causing at least 11 death while tens of others were injured.

Eleven people died in the derailment near the city of Merano, about 300 km north of Venice, local railway chief Helmuth Moroder was quoted by the ANSA news agency as saying.

The accident, which occurred at around 9:30 a.m. local time (0730 GMT) was apparently caused by a landslide hitting the railway.

According to some witnesses, mud and debris collapsed on the train, which is now halfly covered by the fallen rocks while the remaining part is suspended upon a river. These wagons are thus in a very critical situation and relief efforts are hindered there.

The roads connecting to the area have been closed to facilitate the rescue operations. More than 200 rescuers are at work, transporting the people injured to the nearest hospitals.