At least 7 dead after horror two-train crash in India

At least seven people have been killed and several others injured in a train crash (Image: Tahir Ibn Manzoor)

A passenger train crashed into a cargo train in central India on Tuesday, killing at least seven people and injuring several others, a senior government official said. The incident happened near Bilaspur, about 72 miles from Chhattisgarh’s state capital, Raipur.

Local television channels showed images of one train colliding with another near the accident site. Rescuers are searching through the debris for survivors. The local passenger train hit the goods train from behind, senior government official Sanjay Agarwal told AP, adding that a coach ended up on top of a wagon of the goods train. A “rescue team is trying to cut through the train to take out at least two passengers trapped inside,” he said. “We hope they will be alive but can’t confirm until we get them out.”

The train crash occurred about 72 miles from Chhattisgarh’s state capital, Raipur (Image: Getty)

About a dozen people were injured in the accident and have been taken to local hospitals for treatment. One is in a critical condition, according to Agarwal.

In a statement, network operator Indian Railways said it has moved all its resources for rescue efforts.

It stated that an inquiry into the cause of the accident has been initiated.

Indian Railways said an inquiry into the cause of the accident has been initiated (Image: Getty)

Speaking to reporters, Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister Arun Sao said: "A very tragic incident has occurred. The goods train was stationary, and a MEMU train collided with it from behind. The engine is in the front coach, and some passengers also sit there. That coach has been damaged.

"Senior railway officials and state government officers have reached the spot. Relief and rescue operations have begun. The injured are being taken to the hospital."

According to the initial investigation into the accident, railway authorities have said the accident appears to have occurred due to the passenger train crossing the signal. The goods train was stationary, according to Sao.