A commuter train derailed on Monday morning near Osaka in central Japan killing 50 people and injuring more than 340 others.

Auhorities feared the death toll would to up further as 580 people were on board the train, according to agencies.

Railway officials said the driver of the train, who was also hurt, was a novice on the job.

The crowded train slammed into a residential building injuring hundreds in the process.

It is said to be Japan's worst train disaster in 40 years.

Police personnel were still removing people trapped in the wreckage more than five hours after the accident, agencies quoted officials as saying.