Indian official says at least 65 dead in eastern India train blast

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Official: At least 65 dead in train blast

CALCUTTA, India — A state official says at least 65 people have died after an overnight passenger train was derailed by an explosion and then hit by another train in eastern India.

West Bengal state Home Secretary Samar Ghosh said 65 people were confirmed dead and more than 200 people were injured.

The train derailed as it traveled through a rebel stronghold, officials said.

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee told reporters that 13 passenger cars on a train out of Calcutta were derailed by an explosion, in a rural area about 90 miles (150 kilometers) south of the city. A cargo train then slammed into three of the coaches.