Amritsar train accident: At least 58 killed after train hits festival crowds sat on tracks in India

At least 58 people have died after a high-speed train ran over crowds watching fireworks at a religious festival in northern India.

Hundreds of people were reportedly sat on the rail tracks on the outskirts of the city of Amritsar during the Hindu festival of Dusshera.

They did not see the train approach as they watched an effigy of the demon king Ravana burn, and did not hear it over the noise of the crowd.

Footage posted on social media appears to show the moment the commuter train suddenly swept through the crowd.

More than 60 people were also rushed to hospital following the tragedy, which was described as a “freak accident” by police.

"The people were sitting on and near the tracks on the outskirts of Amritsar watching the burning of effigies as part of the Dussehra festival when a commuter train ran over them," a police officer told Reuters.

Amarinder Singh, Punjab chief minister, said he was rushing to Amritsar to supervise relief and rescue operations.

Local television stations showed images of angry and distraught locals including a weeping mother who had just lost a child in the tragedy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was extremely saddened by the train accident.

"The tragedy is heart-wrenching," he tweeted. "My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and I pray that the injured recover quickly. Have asked officials to provide immediate assistance that is required."