A Chinese navy ship cut sharply across the path of an American destroyer in the Taiwan Strait, forcing the U.S. vessel to slow to avoid a collision.

Multiple incidents have raised concerns of a possible accident occurring that could lead to an escalation between the U.S. and China at a time when tensions are already high.

On Sunday, a few shattered carriages, mangled and overturned, were the only remnants of the tragedy.

“This is very, very tragic. I have never seen anything like this in my career," said Sudhanshu Sarangi, the director of Odisha state’s fire and emergency department.

Nearly 500 police officers and rescue workers with 75 ambulances and buses responded to the incident.

“I’m concerned about at some point having an incident that could very, very quickly spiral out of control," the U.S. defense secretary said.