Hundreds injured in train crash in Soweto, South Africa

More than 300 people have been injured in a train crash during the evening rush hour in the South African township of Soweto in Johannesburg. 

Witnesses said a commuter train hit a stationary train from behind and that the force threw some of the passengers through the windows.

At least two of the casualties were reported to be in a critical condition.

Officials said it was one of the biggest such incidents on the railways in South Africa for years.

Local television news pictures showed casualties being treated at the scene by medics - some of them tended to by torchlight.

"About 300 people have been injured, we have requested more ambulances to help transport people to hospitals," said Synock Matobako, a spokesman for the emergency services.

Two people had been airlifted to hospital, he said.

"This is the biggest incident in recent years, even though no one has died. People sustained serious multiple injuries."

The train had been travelling between Mzimhlophe and Phomolo in Soweto during the evening rush hour.
One of the passengers, Gladwell Ntusi, described hearing a loud bang followed by screams.