A high-speed TGV train derailed in Eckwersheim in the Bas-Rhin department of Alsace in northeastern France mid-afternoon on Saturday.
Officials said that out of the injured, 12 are in serious condition.
Several people have been airlifted from the scene on a helicopter, RTL reports. The train was carrying 49 people, all of whom were employees of SNCF national railways.
Local officials told AFP that the accident was apparently caused by “excessive speed.”
The train derailed while on a bridge and the cars fell into the Marne-Rhine canal, according to witness reports. Photos from the scene show smoke coming from the carriages.
The accident happened on a new high-speed line between Paris and Strasbourg, which hadn’t been used before.According to reports, the train line was due to be opened next year.
There have been no terror-related reports.