An express train collided with the bus at an unmanned level crossing in Patiyali, 250km (160 miles) south of the capital, Delhi. The bus was returning after a wedding when the accident happened.

People sitting on the roof were thrown off and seriously injured while those inside the bus were crushed.

Many of the injured have been admitted to hospital while efforts are continuing to free those trapped in the wreckage.

One of the injured told a local journalist that he had been sitting on the roof of the bus when he saw the train coming towards them.