MUMBAI - At least seven people were killed and over 100 were injured in a train collision in Tamil Nadu of southern India late on Tuesday night, local media the NDTV reported.

The accident happened between Arakkonam and Chiteri, 80 km from Chennai at 9:30 pm local time (1600 GMT).

An electric multiple unit (EMU) train running between Chennai Beach and Vellore hit the rear of a stationary Arakkonam-Katpadi passenger train, which was waiting for signal, near Arakkonam.

Five carriages derailed after the accident, leaving many passengers trapped in the debris.

Indian Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi is rushing to the scene of the accident with senior railway officials. He has already announced compensation for the victims.

Signal malfunction might be the cause of the accident, some experts suggested.

The driver of the EMU and the guard of the stationary train were among the dead. Death toll may rise further as other reports said at least 15 passengers are feared dead and 17 are critically injured.

More than 100 police officials and firemen are involved in the rescue efforts, and naval personnel also joined the rescue work, which was hampered by heavy rain and darkness.

Train traffic on the busy Chennai-Katpadi section has been disrupted and several trains leaving Chennai Central are affected. The accident has disrupted trains services to Bangalore, Tirupati and Kerala.