At least 32 people were killed and more than 80 others injured when a passenger train carrying hundreds of people collided at high speed with an oncoming freight train in a fiery wreck in northern Greece.

Local sources reported that the passenger train had been traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki when it crashed head-on with the other train, leading to a fire in the carriages.

Seventeen vehicles and 150 firefighters were reported to be attempting to subdue the flames. Rescue efforts are underway, with 40 ambulances and more than 30 police officers at the collision site.

The crash was so severe that crane trucks were used to help with vehicle extrication.

250 surviving passengers were evacuated from the collision site by buses to Thessaloniki, including those with minor injuries. (ILKHA)