Train crash in India: More than 280 dead after incident in Odisha

At least 288 people have lost their lives and 850 others have been injured after the collision of two trains in the eastern state of India, Odisha, the BBC reports .

More than 200 ambulances were dispatched to the scene in Balasore district, says Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena.

A passenger train is believed to have derailed before being hit by another on adjacent tracks late on Friday.

Officials say the death toll is expected to rise further.

Indian Railays said the two services involved were the Coromandel Express and the Hoërah Superfast Express.

Sudhanshu Sarangi, director general of Odisha Fire Services, said the death toll was 288.

Mr. Jena said earlier that more than 100 other doctors had been mobilized.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was distressed by the incident and his thoughts were with the families of the victims.

"Rescue operations are underway at the disaster site and all possible assistance is being provided to those affected," he tweeted.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah labeled the incident "deeply disturbing".

A male survivor said "10 to 15 people fell on me when the accident happened".