At least five passengers were killed after being run over by Konark Express near Batuva in Srikakulam district on Monday night.
As per initial reports, the Secunderabad-Guwahati Superfast Express stopped near the Batuva railway gate following a technical glitch. The passengers in the general compartment got down and were relaxing on the other track when the Konark Express which was coming on the track ran over them.
"Even after repeated advisories and alerts by the railway authorities, people commit mistakes. A few people travelling in train No. 12515 Coimbatore-Silcher express did chain pulling in mid-section of the Visakhapatnam- Palasa main line between Sigadam-Chipurupalli and tried to run on to the track other side when they came under the coming train Bhubaneswar-CST Mumbai Konark express," informed the Railway.
"One injured was carried in the same train to Srikakulam Road station and an ambulance was arranged by the railway authorities to shift to hospital. Accident Relief Medical Train ordered from Visakhapatnam to spot. DRM, ADRM (OP) and other officials are monitoring the situation," it added.
As per reports, the death toll might go up as many other passengers have sustained serious injuries. The injured were reportedly shifted to the nearby Cheepurupalli hospital.
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed shock over the incident and asked officials to ensure best possible treatment to the injured and extend all help to the families of the deceased persons.