Two passenger trains in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh have derailed within minutes of each other, killing at least 19 people, officials say.

The trains were crossing a partially flooded bridge near Harda. Several coaches have fallen into a river below.

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

Officials are saying at least 25 people are injured and 300 people have been rescued.

One of the trains was on its way from Varanasi to Mumbai, while the other was travelling in the opposite direction.

The Press Trust of India reported that it was not clear how many passengers the trains had been carrying.

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted: "Rushing emergency medical and other relief personnel to spot. Darkness, water creating hurdles but ordered all possible help. Trying our best."

He added that he has ordered an enquiry into the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed concern.    

Safety standards on India's massive state-run railway network, which operates 9,000 passenger trains and carries some 23 million passengers every day, has been an ongoing concern amid a spate of accidents.

Last July at least 18 children were killed along with their driver when a school bus was hit by a train in the state of Telangana.

Source: BBC