Six killed in fiery New York train crash

Seven people have reportedly been killed and 12 injured after a packed train collided with a car in New York.

The northbound train filled with more than 700 commuters struck a Jeep Cherokee on the tracks near Valhalla, north of the city, and pushed it about 50 metres up the road, US officials have said.

The female driver of the car was reportedly killed along with a number of passengers on the train when a carriage burst into flames.

The driver is believed to have been standing outside the car at the moment of impact.

Passengers were evacuated and many taken to a nearby gym to await bus transport.

US media has reported the woman driving the Jeep became stuck on the tracks and had tried to drive off before being struck.

Initial reports suggested six people had been killed, but the Metropolitan Transport Authority has revised its estimate to make it open-ended as work at the site continues.

Some US media reports indicate seven people have been confirmed dead.

However, there have been no reports people are still trapped, with evacuations of hundreds of passengers taking place shortly after the crash.

NBC has reported some passengers were forced to break the glass in train doors to get out.