DHAKA: At least seven people were killed Tuesday evening after a Metro-North commuter train struck a Jeep just north of the train station, the MTA confirmed.

At least 12 others were said to be injured in the crash.

Aaron Donovan, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, had said earlier the victims included the driver of the car, a woman who was outside of her vehicle when the crash occurred, and five people on board the train. But later Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino tweeted that there were at least seven people killed.

The fiery scene began to unfold about 6:30 p.m. ET when the Harlem Line train out of Grand Central Terminal struck the black Jeep Cherokee at the narrow, two-lane Commerce Street crossing, causing an explosion that engulfed both the SUV and the train.

"The gates came down on top of the vehicle, which was stopped on the tracks," he said in a statement. "The driver got out to look at the rear of the car, then she got back in and drove forward and was stuck."

Donovan said the force from the impact pushed the Cherokee about 10 train car lengths north of the crossing.

Astorino reported on Twitter that the crash sent the electrified third rail into the first train car. "Pray for the deceased," he wrote.

The train involved was a 5:44 p.m. train from Grand Central Terminal, due in Southeast at 7:08 p.m.

Numerous police and fire departments responded to what was quickly labeled a "mass-casualty" incident.

Donovan said the train had been expected to make its first stop at Chappaqua.

Source: usatoday.com

BDST: 1022 HRS, FEB 04, 2015