India: At least 50 people were killed when a passenger train derailed and was hit by another

At least 50 people were killed and 350 were hospitalized when a passenger train derailed in the Indian state of Odisha and was hit by another.

Reuters states that media from India previously announced that there was a collision between a passenger train and a freight train.

"Rescue operations are underway at the site of the accident, and all possible assistance is being provided to those affected," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, according to Reuters.

"This is a grave accident," the West Bengal chief secretary told reporters.

Southeastern Railway officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they feared the death toll could be much higher, but did not disclose the death toll, and there were no official reports of casualties.

The "Howrah" superfast train derailed and parts of the damaged carriages fell on the adjacent track where another passenger train "Coromandel Express", which runs from Kolkata to Chennai, ran into them.

"At the moment I cannot comment on the details and information about the casualties. I was in Delhi and was rushing to the accident site," Archana Joshi, general manager of the South Eastern Railway, told Reuters.

She stated that a large number of injured were taken to hospitals.

"Railway rescue teams have already reached the location. Help and rescue is underway," she added.