Two passenger trains in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh have derailed minutes apart on a partially flooded bridge, killing at least 24 people, officials say.

The trains were passing each other near the town of Harda, and some coaches fell into a river.

A railway spokesman told the BBC that heavy rain had caused river levels to rise, submerging the track.

Officials say at least 25 people have been injured and another 300 rescued.

Heavy rain is said to have sent a flash flood into the small bridge

The Kamayani Express travelling from Varanasi to Mumbai derailed first, while the Janata Express travelling in the opposite direction derailed shortly after.

One passenger described water pouring through the carriages just after the accident.

"Water filled the coach till here," the man, pointing to his waist, told a local TV station.

Another passenger said there had been "a sudden jerk" and "the carriage broke apart and people were crushed".

(Source: BBC)