Bomb blasts on Indian train

The explosions occurred in two coaches as the train entered the central train station of the southern Indian city of Chennai on Thursday. The blasts killed a 22-year-old female passenger and injured nine people, according to officials. Two of the injured are being treated in a hospital for serious injuries.

"The incident consists of minor-intensity blasts in two coaches," Rakesh Misra, general manager of Southern Railway, told reporters adding that both were sleeper-class coaches on the Bangalore-Guwahati Express.

Misra said police were investigating and bomb squads checking the train for more explosive devices.

The attack comes amid tight security across India as it nears the end of its general election involving more than 800 million voters - the largest in the world. Due to the mammoth electorate, the polls began on April 7 and are taking place in nine phases. Results are expected on May 16.

Most major cities have already voted including Chennai, which went to the polls last week.

Railway officials said the train was running behind schedule, so it is not clear whether the target was Chennai. The city is the capital of Tamil Nadu state, a region of India that is considered relatively peaceful.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast.

hc/pfd (AP, Reuters)