Trains collide in India killing at least 21

A train collision in northern India has killed at least 21 people and injured many more.

The incident happened near to the city of Mathura, with railway officials saying at least 13 were killed, but a Mathura official in the area told reporters the death toll had reached 21.

It is believed the Goa Express slammed into the stationary Mewar Express when the driver overshot a signal stop. An inquiry has already begun.

Indian army soldiers have been deployed to help with the rescue effort, with rescuers having to cut trapped passengers from the wrecked car of the Mewar Express. It is believed the most damaged car was a special compartment for women, disabled passengers, cargo and train guards.

A distraught female passenger, injured in the accident, told the Press Trust of India from her hospital bed that she was fast asleep when the unreserved compartment, which was a second class-cum-luggage rake, at the end of the Mewar Express train was hit by another speeding train.

'I could not move my legs. Bags and suitcases fell on me after I heard a loud thud,' she said.