At least 60 killed in India train crash

A speeding passenger train has crashed into another waiting at a station in eastern India, killing at least 60 people and injuring about 100, officials said.

This was the second major accident in the state of West Bengal within two months. In May, a train sabotage blamed on Maoist rebels killed more than 70 people. The Maoists denied the charge.

Officials said foul play in Monday's incident was unlikely, although Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said an investigation was under way to find out how both trains came to be on the same track.

Some television channels quoted unnamed railway officials as saying "tampering" with signals could not be ruled out.

The accident occurred when the Uttar Banga Express rammed into the stationary Vananchal Express at Sainthia in West Bengal, said Saumitra Mohan, the area's district magistrate.

The impact of the crash saw several coaches thrown upwards in a mangled heap. Thousands of people milled around the accident site. Some helped in rescue operations.