The Embassy of Ireland in India has announced it is standing ready to provide consular assistance following a devastating train crash.  

At least 280 people have been killed and 900 injured in the tragic collision yesterday around 130 miles south-west of Kolkata. 

There is no indication that any Irish citizen has been affected, but the Embassy of Ireland in India is standing ready to provide consular assistance if needed. 

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has expressed his “deepest sympathies to the people of India”.  

“I would like to send sincere condolences to all those whose loved ones were lost in the train crash,” he said. “Our thoughts are also with the survivors.” 

The Coromandel Express, which runs from Kolkata to Chennai, derailed and fell on the opposite track, with many people still trapped inside, reports said.  

Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik said he is “deeply distressed” by the accident in his region but thanked the local people for their quick response and support.  

The derailed passenger train collided with a goods train in the Balasore district. A second passenger train was also involved in the incident, but it is as of yet unclear when it crashed.   

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "all possible assistance" is being provided, and he is distressed by the disaster.   

“In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families,” he said. “May the injured recover soon”