KINSHASA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- At least 100 people were killed on Wednesday night following the derailment of a train in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), government spokesman and information minister Toussaint Tshilombo said Thursday.

    "According to information in our possession, at least 100 passengers died and dozens of other injured after the derailment of a goods train close to Lweme river," 170 km to the north of Kananga region, western Kasai province, Tshilombo said.

    Previous figures issued by the United Nations Mission in DRC (MONUC) had indicated that 68 people died and 120 others "seriously injured."

    "In view of the gravity of the situation, the head of state Joseph Kabila and the prime minister Antoine Gizenga have decided to send a government delegation consisting of ministers of interior, health and humanitarian affairs, as well as transports to assess the situation and provide assistance to the victims," said the spokesman.