A test train struck a group of railway maintenance workers early Thursday morning in Kunming city, Yunnan province, leaving 11 people dead and two others injured, according to a statement posted on the Kunming Railway Station's Weibo account.

The accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday on a curved section of track within Luoyang town railway station. The train, numbered 55537, was testing seismic monitoring equipment when it hit workers who had entered the active line.

In response, railway authorities immediately activated an emergency response and rescue and relief efforts were swiftly organized in coordination with local government agencies, the statement said.

Transport operations at the station have since returned to normal while efforts continue to treat the injured and manage the aftermath of the incident.

Railway officials expressed condolences to the victims and sympathies to their families. They confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident, pledging to hold those responsible accountable, it added.