Nearly 50 people injured after train derails in British-favourite holiday hotspot

The train left the tracks between Rouen and Caen in northern France, according to transport minister Phillipe Tabarot.

The train was carrying 180 passengers and went off the rails near the Normandy town of Cleon, Mr Tabarot confirmed on Friday evening.

Local media have reported an 18-year-old woman is in critical condition, while the other 43 passengers have sustained minor injuries.

French TV channel BFMTV reported one carriage overturned and four carriages derailed around 7:30pm local time on Friday.

Mr Tabarot said 140 firefighters were at the scene helping passengers.

A French police spokesman said the train derailed after hitting an unidentified object.

French rail operator SNCF said an investigation into the cause of the accident was now underway.

It also stated “significant disruptions” would be experienced on its routes around the area.

Replacement buses have been provided.

It comes as an investigation is underway after a train driver noticed a "kink in the track" just moments before their service derailed close to Wickford in the UK.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), which is leading the inquiry, has confirmed initial findings suggest the train was moving at approximately 77mph when it left the rails.

The service had been heading from Southend Victoria towards Wickford when the incident occurred.

Emergency crews rushed to the location after the derailment was reported.

Around 62 passengers were believed to have been aboard at the time.

However, nobody reported any injuries and the train stayed upright throughout.

Following the derailment, the train carried on for roughly 1.5 miles before coming to a halt.

According to the RAIB's early report, the driver described seeing the track defect, "which rocked the driving cab as the train passed over it".