Passengers and onlookers at the site of the tragedy.
At least eight people are feared to have died and eight others injured as a train ran over them at Gotlam station, 10 km away from Vizianagaram, in eastern Andhra Pradesh.
Sources said the tragedy happened after the Bokaro-bound Alleppey-Dhanbad Express was stopped at Gotlam after some passengers pulled chains following rumours of fire in a couple of its coaches.
As people from the stationary train started getting down in panic, the Rayagada-Vijayawada passenger train coming from the opposite direction ran over them, killing eight and injuring at least eight others.
Sources said since the Gotlam station is on a curve, the driver of the passenger train may not have seen the crowd on the tracks.
Senior railway and state government officials have been rushed to the spot. An inquiry has been ordered, PTI said.
Expressing his condolence at the tragedy, Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy has asked for the best medical treatment for the injured.
Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge has termed the incident as "most tragic".