Indian bridge collapses on train

Most of the rubble fell on one carriage

A derelict bridge over a railway line in India has collapsed onto a passenger train, killing 34 people and injuring 17 others.

The bridge, built 150 years ago, was being dismantled when it crashed onto a carriage at Bhagalpur station in the eastern state of Bihar.

Rescue workers pulled out survivors, removing the rubble with cranes, bulldozers, and their hands.

An investigation into the incident has been launched.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called it an "avoidable tragedy".

Clouds of dust

"There was a loud roar and the heavens seemed to have crumbled over us," passenger Anil Yadav told the Press Trust of India news agency.

"Thick clouds of dust streamed into the compartment, leaving me gasping for breath."

It took rescue workers several hours to remove the debris and reach the crushed section.

Railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav said a criminal case had been lodged against the agency involved in dismantling the bridge.

The colonial-era pedestrian bridge was being dismantled after a replacement had been built.

The workers, who had been working overnight, were not on duty at the time the bridge collapsed.