(File photo)

A freight train collided with a railway maintenance train in South Angola on Tuesday, killing at least 17 and injuring 12, said the Chinese Embassy in Angola. The victims include two Chinese citizens responsible for repairing and maintaining the railways. 

The accident happened in the early hours near Munhino in Namibe province when a train run by the state rail operator smashed into a stationary maintenance train that was being operated by Chinese engineers.

Emergency crew on site said the death toll could go up and that there are still victims stranded in the trains.

"The accident claimed at least 17 lives including the two drivers, one Angolan and one Chinese, as well as injuring 12," said the governor's office in a statement.

An investigation into the incident which appeared to have been caused by human error has now been launched, it added.

"An on-duty railway employee was warned by the Chinese maintenance crew but could not prevent the departure of the train, loaded with granite, from Lubango station", said a local official who declined to be named.

"When he realised his mistake, it was too late to avoid a disaster."

The incident is the second since the beginning of the year on the 260-kilometre (160-mile) line between Lubango and Mocamedes.

A train derailed in February but no fatalities were reported.

(With input from AFP)