Superintendent of Police C Sudhakar told PTI that three persons - Radhashyam Kuri (22), Somen Kuri (18) and Purpura Mahato (17) were killed on the spot when their vehicle collided with the Dhanbad-Muri passenger train at an unmanned level crossing between Kotshila and Jhalda, about 50 km from the district headquarters town.
The two seriously injured have been referred to a hospital in Ranchi, the sources said.
The railways has ordered an inquiry into the incident.