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India train crash: Two Britons reported dead India train crash: Two Britons dead and 'many' injured
(about 1 hour later)
Two Britons have reportedly been killed after a train chartered by 37 tourists derailed in northern India. Two Britons have been killed after a train chartered by 37 tourists derailed in northern India.
Two British women were reportedly killed and five other passengers injured when a train hired by tourists – known as the Toy Train - derailed in Haryana state, on Saturday afternoon. Two British women were killed and at least five other passengers injured when the train – known as the Toy Train - derailed in Haryana state, on Saturday afternoon.
Three coaches of the train went off the tracks on the Kalka to Shimla line – a single gauge railway known for its stunning views of the Indian Himalayas.Three coaches of the train went off the tracks on the Kalka to Shimla line – a single gauge railway known for its stunning views of the Indian Himalayas.
The train, which was hired by York-based company Great Rail Journeys, was rounding a curve when the coaches derailed, Neeraj Sharma, a railway official told the Associated Press.The train, which was hired by York-based company Great Rail Journeys, was rounding a curve when the coaches derailed, Neeraj Sharma, a railway official told the Associated Press.
He said the two Britons died instantly in the accident, which happened at about 1.30pm.He said the two Britons died instantly in the accident, which happened at about 1.30pm.
Officials of the Northern Railway company said that the derailment happened close to Taksal station, which is just over one mile away from the northern hill town of Kalka.Officials of the Northern Railway company said that the derailment happened close to Taksal station, which is just over one mile away from the northern hill town of Kalka.
Great Rail Journeys is sending three senior members of its team to the scene. The British High Commission and Great Rail Journeys are sending staff to offer support.
The area has been popular with Brits since the 19th century (AFP) Divisional railway manager Dinesh Kumar told the Times of India: "Preliminary reports received from the site said that two persons have died in the accident while at least five others are injured. The area has been popular with Brits since the 19th century (AFP) A spokeswoman for Great Rail Journeys said: “Great Rail Journeys confirms that there has been a train incident in India involving one of its escorted groups, travelling from Kalka to Shimla. 
"One full coach derailed while another derailed partially.
“A railway team has already reached the site. The administration provided immediate relief to the injured and made arrangements for shifting them to hospital.
“The railways also provided ambulances and other necessary assistance."
A spokeswoman for Great Rail Journeys said: “Great Rail Journeys confirms that there has been a train incident in India involving one of its escorted groups, travelling from Kalka to Shimla. 
“A total of 37 people were on board, including Great Rail Journeys’ tour manager.“A total of 37 people were on board, including Great Rail Journeys’ tour manager.
“Great Rail Journeys’ local representatives are at the scene of the accident and a number of people in the group have been hospitalised. “Great Rail Journeys’ local representatives are at the scene of the accident and a number of people in the group have been hospitalised. 
“Detailed information is awaited and will need to be verified carefully before it can be confirmed by the company. “Detailed information is awaited and will need to be verified carefully before it can be confirmed by the company. 
“Great Rail Journeys is sending three senior members of its team to the scene on the first available flight departing today, together with two qualified counsellors.“Great Rail Journeys is sending three senior members of its team to the scene on the first available flight departing today, together with two qualified counsellors.
“The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is liaising with Great Rail Journeys to assist with speedy issue of visas.“The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is liaising with Great Rail Journeys to assist with speedy issue of visas.
“The company was established over 30 years ago and this is the first serious train accident in which it has been involved."“The company was established over 30 years ago and this is the first serious train accident in which it has been involved."
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "Following a train crash in Haryana, we are urgently looking into reports of British nationals affected and stand ready to provide consular support." Hugo Swire, Minister for Asia, said: “I am deeply saddened that two British nationals have been killed and many other injured in a train accident in Northern India.
"My thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time.
“Teams from the British High Commission in New Delhi and Deputy High Commission in Chandigarh are on their way to the area to help all those affected.”
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh state, has been popular with the British since the time of the Raj, when it was designated as the summer capital of British India.Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh state, has been popular with the British since the time of the Raj, when it was designated as the summer capital of British India.