The crash occurred on Friday on the Vrutky-Varin line in Zilina region, around 220 kilometres (140 miles) north of the capital Bratislava, Zilina regional police spokeswoman Gabriela Kremenova told AFP on Saturday.

"After the accident, rescuers treated 74 people, 34 of whom were transported to nearby hospitals. Four of them were seriously injured," she said.

More than 20 firefighters were helping at the scene and the material damage was estimated at two million euros ($2,144,000), she said.

An investigation has been launched and charges of endangering life have been filed, police said.