At least six people were killed when a Metro-North train from New York City hit a vehicle on the tracks in Westchester during rush hour.

The fiery crash also resulted in the injury of 12 other people. Couple of hours after the crash, a spokesperson has also altered an earlier statement about death toll being six and said that "numerous" deaths were confirmed.

Although initial report had suggested that two vehicles had been struck by the train, Aaron Donovan, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has clarified that five passengers on the train and a woman standing near a Jeep Cherokee that was struck were killed, nbc reports. The train from Grand Central Terminal was northbound on the Harlem line, when it crashed the vehicle at the Commerce Street crossing in Valhalla around 5.00 am (IST).

Following a preliminary investigation, MTA officials said that the Jeep was first crashed on by the gates, after which the driver drove it forward and was struck by the train and was shoved about 10 train-car lengths up the track.

All Harlem line service between North White Plains and Valhalla have been suspended "due to train striking motor vehicle in vicinity of Valhalla," according to the official Twitter account of MTA. There would be shuttle bus services between North White Plains-Pleasantville for the convenience of commuters, tweeted Metro-North Railroad.

Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board has said in a tweet that they are "closely following the Metro-North crash this evening. More to come."

New York Senator has expressed his condolence with a tweet: "We pray for those lost & injured tonight & laud the first responders who came to the Metro North crash scene so quickly."

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