News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Six people have been critically injured and dozens more hurt following a serious train crash in Moscow .

An intercity service between the Russian capital and Brest in Belarus crashed into a local electric commuter train which had braked suddenly after a man crossed the lines.

The driver of the local train then lost control as his suburban train rolled backwards into the path of the intercity service which followed it on the same line, it was reported.

Four carriages were derailed according to initial accounts.

(Image: east2west news) (Image: TASS)

Passengers from both trains - with 445 on board in total - suffered injuries.

At least 50 needed medical assistance with 16 from the mangled carriages rushed to local hospitals, including one child.

"50 people have applied for medical assistance after the railway accident," reported news agency TASS.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

Foreigners were among the injured, according to Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov.

"According to preliminary data, the injured include both Russian nationals and citizens of several countries," he said.

President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the accident immediately after the collision, said Kremlin spokesman Dmirty Peskov.

(Image: east2west news)

"Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov and Russian Railways President Oleg Belozerov briefed the head of state over the phone on steps taken to deal with the aftermath of the accident," he said.

"Putin instructed to do take all necessary steps to remedy the situation."

Rail services were blocked on the main westward line out of the city.

"Unfortunately, people have been affected by the accident," said an Emergencies Ministry spokesman.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

Accounts from frightened passengers heard the driver on the intercom saying that after applying the emergency brake, he could not make the train go forwards.

Instead it rolled backwards down an incline.

The brakes failed and would not hold train, say those on board.

(Image: east2west news)

Passengers on the local train rushed to the front of the out-of-control suburban service fearful an train would hit it from behind - which is what happened.

Travellers on the Moscow-Brest train were thrown from their sleeper bunks, according to those on board.

The collision was near Gerasim Kurina Street in the west of Moscow.

(Image: TASS)

Some 200 were involved in the rescue operation.

One passenger, called Anton, on the Moscow-Brest train said: "We just left and waited for other trains to pass by when there was a blow, a crash. All the lights went off, women started to scream.

"Then emergency ministry rescuers came in, asking if everyone was alive."

(Image: east2west news)

A male passenger said: "I was inside the local train when it crashed. We had stopped some distance away from Kuntsevo station.

"For about 15 or 20 minutes the train crew were trying to solve the problem - we heard their chats on speakers. It was clear that breaks gave in. The train started to roll downhill - backwards.

(Image: east2west news)

"Everyone rushed towards the front carriage... The train driver had said - Hold on! - several time as people were running.

"The train was going faster - and then bang - it crashed. Everyone who was on their feet collapsed on the floor.

"We crashed into a long-distance train which seemed to be on halt when it happened."

(Image: REUTERS)

An female passenger on the Moscow-Brest intercity train said: "We left Belorussky train station and had to pause to let four city trains go - and the fifth one crashed into us.

"The collision was so strong everyone fell out of their beds.

"We were told that the city train's brake system collapsed which is why it crashed into us. They also said that points system either didn't work or worked in the wrong way.

"The train left Belorrussky station 22.03. It went for about 10 minutes, then stopped and waited for about 20 minutes.

(Image: TASS) (Image: east2west news)

"The passengers were all settling down for the night - some climbed to their upper bunks, some were changing. Then there was a blow, and another one.

"Everything fell down, people and their bags, from top and bottom beds.

"Luckily in our carriage there were no serious injured, just broken ribs and bruises. I just left the hospital after two hours."