A train co-driver died and another was injured after a freight train carrying apatite ore derailed near a station in the northeastern province of Lao Cai Wednesday.

Local reports say that the brakes of the train, which had two locomotives and 16 coaches, failed shortly after leaving a station at around 10 p.m. 

As it moved towards another station in Lao Cai City, it crashed into a railway barrier and derailed.

Two locomotives and nine coaches turned on their side and plunged off a cliff.

Nguyen Van Truong, a 36-year-old co-driver, died in the accident. His body was stuck inside the locomotive and has not been recovered.

Pham Van Sy, a 39-year-old co-driver, was seriously injured.

Vu Van Thiet and Hoang Duy Hung, two drivers, jumped off the train and escaped death.

Local authorities are investigating the accident.