By Davut Colak

COPENHAGEN, Denmark

The death toll in Wednesday’s train accident in Denmark has risen to eight, police said on Thursday.

Arne Gram, police chief for Funen Island, told reporters that the accident claimed at least eight lives.

Police identified four of the bodies, the chief said.

Bad weather and severe damage to the train made the investigation into the accident difficult, Gram added.

The incident took place on the Great Belt Bridge linking the Danish islands of Zealand and Funen at around 07.30 a.m. local time (0630GMT).

The passenger train carrying 131 people and 3 crew members was running from Odense to the capital Copenhagen when it hit a freight train going in the opposite direction.

At least 16 people were also wounded, according to police.

An investigation into the possible causes of the accident, which occurred during a heavy storm -- has been launched.