Train derails in south India killing at least 10 passengers

At least 10 people were killed and nearly 100 injured when an express train derailed near Bangalore, in southern India.

Nine coaches of the train derailed at around 08:00 am local time, near the town of Hosur, 40 km from Bangalore. The cause of the accident is not confirmed as yet.

The Intercity Express going to Ernakulam in Kerala state met with the accident about an hour after it left Bangalore.

Many of the injured have been taken to nearby hospitals, but police said several passengers remain trapped inside mangled coaches.

Scores of ambulances and rescue officials are on the scene carrying out emergency measures.

Federal minister in charge of Indian railways Suresh Prabhu said initial reports suggested a boulder may have fallen on the rail track causing the train to derail.

Train accidents are not uncommon in India primarily due to poor maintenance and the absence of necessary safety measures.

India has one of the largest railway networks in the world and trains remain a key mode of transportation for millions of Indians every day.