Packed train derails near Paris, 7 believed dead

Part of a train that derailed is seen, in Bretigny sur Orge, south of Paris, Friday July, 12, 2013. A packed passenger train skidded off its rails after leaving Paris on Friday, leaving seven people believed dead and dozens injured as train cars slammed into each other and overturned, authorities said. AP photo

France's interior minister says at least 7 people are believed dead and several injured after a packed passenger train derailed outside Paris.

Interior Minister Manuel Valls told reporters that the casualty toll is "in constant evolution," suggesting it could rise.

The SNCF national rail authority says the train was carrying some 385 passengers when it derailed today evening at 5:15 p.m. (1515 GMT) and crashed into the station at Bretigny-sur-Orge, some 20 kilometres south of Paris.

The train was headed to Limoges.

SNCF official Jean-Paul Boulet says four carriages piled up after the train derailed.

He could not confirm reports that passengers were still trapped inside.

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