There's been a collision between two trains in the north Indian state of Punjab -- police say at least sixty people have been killed and more than two hundred injured.

The crash happened during the night when a train from Delhi to Amritsar left the rails at Khannanear the city of Ludhiana.

A few minutes later another train travelling in the opposite direction smashed into the de-railed carriages.

The force of the impact crushed at least four coaches, trapping many people inside.

Rescue workers and police were joined by local villagers in the search for survivors.