Two subway trains collided on Tuesday during morning rush hour in Rome, leaving at least one person dead and injuring about 110 others.

A woman in her 30s was killed, while at least five people were seriously injured, authorities said.

Firefighters at the scene where two subway trains collided during Tuesday's morning rush hour at a central Rome station.
(Associated Press)

Ambulances, firefighters and rescue teams descended on the subway station in central Rome and police cordoned off the square above the station.

According to Atac, Rome's public transport company, a train stopped at the subway station was hit from behind by another train on the same line. The second train was travelling at high speed.

Some passengers said the driver of the second train appeared to have run a red light.

Prime Minister Romano Prodi said officials were investigating whether it was human error or a problem with the track signals, said Reuters. He said the trains were brand new.

The country's transportation minister was expected to address parliament later in the day.

Bloody scene

The accident occurred at about 10 a.m. local time at the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II underground station, which is near the main train station in Rome.

The scene at the station was reported to be chaotic, with rescue workers trying to remove the injured from the wreckage.

"People in my carriage were sprawled all over the floor crying and screaming," said Kahn Jaris Hassan, a 29-year-old native of India, who was in the moving train.

"Inside there were many people covered in blood shouting for help, many too injured to walk," Hassan said at San Giovanni Hospital, where he was waiting for a friend to be treated.

Organizers of the Rome Film Festival taking place this week said screenings and news conferences will begin with a moment of silence to remember the victims of the crash. It is also cancelling all side events.

With files from the Associated Press