Congress MLA among five dead in train accident in Anantpur

A speeding granite-loaded truck rammmed into Bangalore-Nanded Express train after breaking level-crossing gate

A Congress legislator was among the five persons who died after a speeding granite-loaded truck rammed into Bangalore-Nanded Express train after breaking the level crossing gate in Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh in the wee hours today.

The truck broke the closed gate at Madakasira overlooking safety warnings and hit the H-1 coach of the Nanded-bound train at around 2.20 am. The mishap led to derailment of four coaches -- H1, B-1, S-1 and S-2 - and disrupted traffic on the route.

Venkatesh Naik, Congress MLA from Deodurg in Raichur district of Karnataka who has been a four-time Lok Sabha MP, was among three passengers killed on the spot, a local media report said, adding two others were injured and shifted to hospital in Bangalore.

Rail minister Suresh Prabhu called the incident unfortunate, conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and said ex-gratia will be given to the affected. Railways said an enquiry will be conducted into the incident.