A seven-car commuter train derailed and crashed into an apartment building in Japan [Images] on Monday killing at least 50 people and injuring nearly 200.

The train, operated by the West Japan Railway Company, was carrying was carrying 580 passengers, mainly commuters and schoolchildren.

The driver sustained serious injuries, but survived the crash. He is 23-years-old and had become a train driver less than a year ago.

The accident occurred shortly after the morning rush hour near the city of Osaka, 400 km from Tokyo.

Rescue work continues in full-swing. Railway officials said the cause of the accident was being investigated.

Survivors said the train seemed to be going too fast and started shaking.

Japanese trains generally have a good safety record.The worst Japanese train crash in recent history took place in 1991 in Shigaraki, western Japan, when 42 people were killed and more than 600 injured.

Photograph: Getty Images

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50 dead in Japan train accident