District superintendent of police Sudhir Kumar told PTI over phone that the autorickshaw was carrying over 12 passengers and was hit by Rapti Ganga Express at the level crossing at Champra Bahar village.
The five bodies have been extricated from the autorickshaw so far, Kumar, who is at the spot said adding it is feared the toll may rise as efforts were on to find out more.
Samastipur Divisional Railway Manager Arun Malik confirming the incident said he was rushing to the spot by a special train.