DHAKA: 12 people have been killed and over 40 injured after two passenger trains collided in eastern Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday night.

The accident took place around 10:45 pm near Gorakhpur town nearly 270 km from state capital Lucknow, reports NDTV.

Krishak Express, travelling from Varanasi to Gorakhpur, rammed the Barauni Express from behind, throwing three of its coaches off the track.

"The railway has suspended the drivers of Krishak Express for overshooting the signal", Railways spokesperson Anil Saxena said.

The derailed coaches have been removed and rescue operations are under way. The injured have been moved to a local hospital.

The movement of trains on the Gorakhpur-Varanasi track has been disrupted with at least seven trains diverted.

The Railways has announced a compensation of Rs. 50,000 to the families of those killed and Rs. 25,000 for those seriously injured in the accident.

BDST: 0905 HRS, OCT 01, 2014