Between 30 and 50 people are reported dead and more than 100 injured by local media, after two trains collided in India's eastern Odisha state, News.az reports citing BBC.

Nearly 50 ambulances have been sent to the scene in the Balasore district, says the state's chief secretary.

A number of carriages were derailed in Friday evening's collision.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted to say he was distressed by the incident and his thoughts were with the bereaved families.

"Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected," he tweeted.