Two passenger trains in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh have derailed minutes apart on a flooded bridge, killing at least 24 people, officials say.

The trains were passing each other near the town of Harda when a flash flood triggered by heavy rain struck the bridge, reports said.

The tracks collapsed and some of the carriages were submerged.

Officials say at least 25 people have been injured and another 300 rescued.

The Kamayani Express travelling to Varanasi from Mumbai derailed first, while the Janata Express travelling in the opposite direction derailed shortly after. It was not clear how many people were on both trains.

Speaking to a local TV station, one passenger described the scene just after the accident. “Water filled the coach till here,” he said, pointing to his waist.

Another passenger said there had been “a sudden jerk” and “the carriage broke apart and people were crushed”.

Survivor Manoj Mongi told the Hindustan Times: “I was sleeping and suddenly I felt a jolt. I woke up and saw that all the passengers were screaming and running. I came out. I saw three women floating, but I could not save them.”

The bridge crosses the Machak river, about 950km (590 miles) from India’s capital, Delhi. BBC