At least 65 people have died in a rail crash in northeast India, BBC reports Thursday

A rail official said a passenger train derailed in West Bengal's West Midnapore district because of a broken plate connecting the ends of two rails, which is believed to have been sabotage. The derailed train hit another train traveling in the opposite direction head on. Witnesses say an explosion caused the derailment.

The area is known to be a stronghold of Maoist rebels, who have called for observance of a "black week" from Friday to Wednesday in the five states, including West Bengal. Officials, however, say it is too early to determine if the Maoists are to blame.

More than 200 passengers have been injured and the dead toll is expected to rise.

Rescue workers have still not been able to enter three of the derailed coaches in which a large number of passengers are feared to be trapped. Pictures from the scene show the mangled coaches, bodies being taken away from the site, and air force helicopters landing near the tracks to lift injured passengers.

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