12 dead and 260 hurt after train 'crashes into truck' and catches fire

Emergency services on the scene estimate around 100 people were injured in the devastating smash in Free State province, central South Africa. 

The train collided with a truck between the towns of Hennenman and Kroonstad before bursting into flames, witnesses told local media. 

Dramatic pictures from the scene show the chaotic aftermath of the collision, with overturned train carriages strewn across the tracks.

Thick black smoke can be seen billowing from a couple of train carriages that appear to have caught fire in the wake of the crash. 

The train, operated by Shosholoza Meyl, was travelling from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg when the collision happened at around 9:15am local time. 

Footage show emergency crew battling to extingiush the flames as distressed passengers wander around by the roadside.  

Netcare 911 spokesman Tebogo Magoro said at least 12 people died in the horror smash. 

"Those with serious injuries are being transported by Netcare 911 and other services to hospital," said Magoro.

Passengers evacuated from the train can be seen holding luggage beside the wreckage.

On passenger Tiaan Esterhuizen said the train was "blowing its horn for a long time" before the accident. 

"We were in the restaurant section of the train eating breakfast when we felt a jerk and soon after the train came to a standstill‚" he told local media. 

"Some of the people told me afterward they heard the train blowing its horn for a long time before the accident happened."