India train crash deaths reach 55

There were few injuries on the train itself, officials said

The number of people killed in a train accident in central India has risen to 55, officials have said.

All those killed were wedding guests travelling on a trailer that was hit by the train about 20km from Nagpur in Maharashtra state.

Three people died in hospital on Friday and about another 20 are still being treated, many with serious injuries.

Indian railways have been frequently criticised over poor safety. About 300 accidents happen every year.

Guard option

The trailer, carrying about 70 wedding guests, was being pulled across an unsupervised crossing by a tractor near the village of Kanan when the collision occurred.

Deputy general manager of South-Eastern Central Railways, Jagdish Kumar, told the Associated Press: "We had not installed a gate at the rail crossing because very few trains pass this way. But after this tragedy we will consider posting a guard."

Mr Kumar said the tractor driver did not see the train coming.

At least 30 women and 10 children were among the dead.

Indian Railways said there were few injuries on the train, which was travelling from Ramtek to Nagpur.

A crash in December at the village of Mukerian in the northern state of Punjab killed 36 people and brought calls for the resignation of Railways Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav.