Indian journalists have named the two British tourists killed in a train crash involving a group from a York travel firm

A party of 36 customers with a tour operator from Great Rail Journeys of St Saviourgate were on a five-carriage train that derailed as it rounded a curve near Shimla, northern India.

Two Britons, believed to be Loraine Toner and Joan Nickolas, both 60, died in the crash and others were taken to hospital. The names were given in the Indian media earlier today

Great Rail Journeys has sent three senior members of its team to the scene, along with two counsellors.

In a statement earlier today, the company said three of the tour group were still in hospital but did not have life-threatening injuries.

The train was travelling on the five-carriage World Heritage-listed train to the Indian Himalayan town of Shimla.

One of the company's escorted groups, travelling from Kalka to Shimla, had been involved in the incident.

Its chief executive officer Peter Liney said: "Tragically, we can confirm that two passengers died in the accident. 

"We are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to assist their relatives in travelling to India as soon as possible.

"A number of other passengers were injured in the accident and were taken from the scene to a local hospital. 

"Two passengers and the tour manager have been admitted overnight; we do not believe their injuries are life-threatening. All other passengers have now been transferred to a hotel. 

"A total of 36 passengers plus one tour manager were on the train when the accident took place. They were all travelling on a 13-day tour of India and were on day three."

Mr Liney continued: "Our absolute priority is to support and help the families of those people who have so tragically died, along with those in hospital in India and at the hotel."

The accident took place at 1pm local time yesterday and the passengers were travelling on a four-carriage tourist train that had been chartered by Great Rail Journeys for the trip. 

The tour, India's Golden Triangle, departed for India on September 10 and was due to finish on September 22.

Officials said that the derailment happened close to Taksal station, which is just over one mile away from the northern hill town of Kalka.

Minister for Asia Hugo Swire said: "I am deeply saddened that two British nationals have been killed and many others injured in a train accident in northern India. My thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time.

"Teams from the British High Commission in New Delhi and Deputy High Commission in Chandigarh are on their way to the area to help all those affected."

Indian Railway spokesman Anil Saksena said police and rescuers helped pull dozens of passengers from the coaches, which fell onto their side near Gulbarga in Karnataka state after the train derailed at about 2:15am.

The 60 mile narrow-gauge railway in the foothills of the Himalayas is known for its scenic views.