At least two people were killed when a speeding train ploughed into pedestrians on the tracks in India.

The locals were strolling along the railway when the Anga Express train passing between Vidyasagar and Kasitar stations ran over them in Jharkhand state on February 28 evening.

Authorities said two people were dead at the scene after being crushed, while 'many more' were injured.

The cause of the accident is still unclear.

Witnesses claimed the passengers had jumped off the train and onto the tracks to escape a fire onboard. However, an Eastern Railways official said the two casualties were already on the tracks as the train was passing through.

Kaushik Mitra, CPRO of Eastern Railways, said: 'Two persons walking on the track were run over by the train at least two km away from train number 12254 passing from Vidyasagar Kasitar. There is no incident of fire.

'As of now, two deaths have been confirmed. The deceased are not passengers, they were walking on the track. A three-member committee has been formed to enquire about the issue.'

An Eastern Railways statement said the accident occurred while the train was stopped due to 'Alarm Chain Pulling (ACP) at 7 pm at Asansol Division of Eastern Railway'.

Chilling footage shows the mangled bodies of the locals lying on the railway as medics and rescuers were at the scene to find survivors.

Local officials have extended their condolences to the victims' families.

In an online statement, Indian President Droupadi Murmu said: 'The news of the sudden death of many people in a train accident in Jamtara district of Jharkhand is extremely saddening. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayfor the speedy recovery of those injured.

While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a social media post: 'Pained by the mishap in Jamtara, Jharkhand. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.'

Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren said: 'My heart is saddened by the sad news of a train accident near Kaljharia station of Jamtara. May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this difficult time of grief.

'The administration is engaged in relief and rescue work on the spot. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident.'

Investigations into the crash are ongoing.