A speeding train driver doing nearly 100 mph killed five track workers as he mowed them down on a rail line they were repairing in Italy.

The train slammed into the victims at 160 km/h (99 mph) as they carried out maintenance work on the Turin-Milan railway line in Brandizzo.

The local Ivrea Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into the accident on suspicion of manslaughter caused by negligence.

Two workers survived the accident, which took place shortly after midnight on 31st August, and are currently under observation at a hospital in Chivasso.

The driver of the train, transporting wagons from Alessandria to Turin, is expected to be questioned today (31st August).

Prosecutors believe he may never have been told that the engineers would be there.

Investigators are now studying memos and work notes to see who was told what about the repairs.

Brandizzo mayor Paolo Bodoni told local media: “Traveling at 160 kilometres per hour near a railway station, I’m not sure if it’s the right speed, I wonder.”

The victims – who worked for an external contracting company – have been named as Michael Zanera, 34, Giuseppe Sorvillo, 43, Saverio Giuseppe Lombardo, 52, Giuseppe Aversa, 49, and 22-year-old Kevin Lagana.

Rete Ferroviaria Italiana – the Italian Railway Network – said in a statement: “RFI expresses deep sorrow at what has happened and extends its condolences and support to the families of the deceased workers.”

It added: “The specifics of what occurred are being investigated by the competent authorities and by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana.”