An investigation was under way last night after two trains running on the same track crashed head-on in southern Poland, leaving 16 people dead and 58 injured in the country's worst rail disaster in more than 20 years.

The accident near the town of Szczekociny, north of Krakow, happened last on Saturday night after one of the trains ended up on the wrong track. The impact left hulks of mangled metal on the tracks, with carriages overturned and on their sides. Rescuers worked all night to find bodies and help the wounded.

Officials said it was too early to determine the cause of the disaster. The accident comes three months before millions of football fans start criss-crossing the country – many by train – to watch matches at the Euro 2012 championships, which will be co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine. AP