Alert system criticized in deadly Italian train wreck

An antiquated phone system used to direct train traffic through a single-track section of the Italian rail system likely contributed to a head-on collision that killed at least 23 people, Italy's transport minster said Wednesday.

Graziano Delrio told the Italian Parliament the stretch of track between the cities of Andria and Corato where the crash occurred Tuesday did not have an automatic alert or brake system, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Delrio said the national government was not responsible for the wreck. Regional train safety is overseen by private rail operators, in this case Ferrotramviaria, the Associated Press reported.

The official death toll stood at 23 on Wednesday, but four people were also missing. Authorities using dogs and wrecker equipment were still exploring the wreckage. Dozens of people were injured, and 15 remained hospitalized, several in critical condition.

Local prefect Clara Minerva said 23 bodies were found and that DNA testing was underway for additional remains found strewn at the scene.

Some rescuers were overwhelmed by the scene of death. First responder Marianna Tarantini told ANSA the first bodies she spotted were a mother and small daughter.

"They were lying against an olive tree, the mother was protecting her little daughter and they were in a fetal position," Tarantini said. "They were the first I found, in the middle of heads, arms and torsos scattered everywhere under the trees."

Moments of tension were reported when officials tried to limit the identification process to two relatives per victim, ANSA reported. Amid cries of "shame," authorities decided to allow all relatives present into the identification area.

Victims included train driver Pasquale Abbasciano, who was a year away from retirement, ANSA said.

Andria Mayor Nicola Giorgino told AP that work was to begin within a few months to build a second track.

Prosecutors launched a multiple manslaughter investigation. State prosecutor Francesco Giannella, leader of a five-person commission named to probe the tragedy, said investigators will look at human error as well as review delays in renovating the track security system, which still relies on station masters notifying each other via phone when a train is using the single track.

"The investigation will not only look into human error, we must examine all possibilities," Giannella said.