The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, New Delhi

At least 13 people died and four were injured when fire spread quickly through a packed train in southern India early on Friday, a railway official said.

"As of now 13 have been confirmed dead," South Central Railway spokesman Frederick Michael told AFP by telephone from Andhra Pradesh state.

"Four passengers have sustained injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation."

The blaze, which began just after midnight, broke out in one carriage and swiftly engulfed four others.

Some Indian media reports said the death toll could rise.

"The ticket-checking staff noticed (the fire) and alerted the driver and guards who stopped the train," said Michael.

"The fire spread to the other coaches due to wind," he said, adding the blaze was later extinguished.

Some 360 people were aboard the busy train at the time of the blaze, the railway official added.

Indian news channel NDTV showed bodies wrapped in white sheets being taken off the train on stretchers and flames shooting out of the window of a carriage.

The blaze started as the train was travelling through a forested area 250 kilometres (155 miles) from state capital Hyderabad.