A passenger train derailed outside the city of Larisa in central Greece injuring dozens of people.

"A total of 28 people were injured and taken to hospital when a train travelling from Athens to Thessaloniki (in northern Greece) derailed about two kilometres from Larisa station," said a police official who declined to be named.

Most of the injured were discharged from hospital but five others were to remain overnight for further observation. None of the injuries were life threatening.

The station master failed to change the points after a previous train had passed through, causing five carriages from the passenger train to jump the tracks. He fled the scene and is now being sought by authorities.

The two drivers of the train were taken into custody for questioning.

The Greek rail authority (OSE) said it is treating the accident as resulting from human error.

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