Eleven treated after Tube derailment

Eleven passengers have been taken to hospital after hundreds of people were trapped on a Tube train for two hours when it derailed.

The incident occurred on London's Central line westbound between Mile End and Bethnal Green stations in the east of the capital just after 9am. London Fire Brigade sent 14 fire engines to the scene, including four urban search and rescue vehicles.

At least 37 people were injured and the 11 taken to hospital had suffered minor injuries.

British Transport Police's Superintendent Phil Trendall said: "There is no indication of any terrorist attack."

Rail investigators are looking at the possibility of an obstruction on the line after six carriages came off the track although the train remained in an upright position.

London Ambulance's Richard Porter, said: "The temperature above ground was about 21C. That can rise by 5-10C below. People were uncomfortable and sweaty. The rescue operation was very swift. We had water and were helping people very quickly."

Both Mile End and Bethnal Green underground stations remain closed, and there is no service on the Central line between Liverpool Street and Leytonstone.

In 2003, 32 people were injured when a Central line train derailed at Chancery Lane station because of a gearbox failure which led to a traction motor detaching.

In October that year, seven passengers were hurt in a derailment at Camden Town station and there was also a derailment in the same month on the District line at Hammersmith.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.