Seven people were injured today when an Italian train derailed as it pulled out of the station in the city of Lucerne in Switzerland.

A train heading from Milan to Basle derailed shortly after stopping in Lucerne at around 2pm local time.

The fourth carriage of the train, which was carrying 160 passengers and was operated by Trenitalia, tipped over and a power line was interrupted.

A Lucerne police spokesman said: 'Five of the injured have been taken to hospital.'

Rescuers stand next to a derailed train in the station of Lucerne, Switzerland today

Replacement buses were laid on while all trains were diverted and the station is to remain closed until at least early Thursday.

Swiss train operator SBB said train services to and from the station have been suspended but there is no immediate word on the cause of the derailment.

Rescuers stand next to a derailed train in Lucerne station. Services have been disrupted

The 160 passengers on the train were evacuated without incident