Congress MLA from Karnataka, Venkatesh Nayak, was among the five people who lost their lives in this accident. Naik was also a former four-time Lok Sabha Member of Parliament.

A railway employee and the truck driver were among the five people killed in the accident, railway officials said.

According to the latest news, the accident occurred around 2:10 am at a level crossing near Madakasira of Penukonda Mandal of Anantapur district.

“The trolley hit the train at Madakasira railway gate and the granite boulder crashed against the first-class carriage of the train,” DIG of Anantapur, K Satyanarayana, told PTI.

Four coaches of the train derailed after the impact. A number of other trains on south central and south western railway lines have been diverted.

“The trolley sped onto the railway track despite the railway gate and the brakes of the trolley appeared to have failed,” said Satyanarayana.

A rescue effort has been launched by the railway authorities and the police.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said it was an unfortunate incident and conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims. He said ex-gratia will be given to the affected.

In a statement, Railway Ministry said the manned level crossing gate was closed to facilitate safe passage of Train No 16594 and red flasher light showing danger was on and continuous siren/hooter was sounded to warn the road users. Besides, there are speed breakers before the L C Gate and the area is well-lit, it said.

These are the helpline numbers one can call:

Bangalore railway station: 08022354108,0731666751, 08022156553

Accident site: 09701374062, 09493548005, 09448090399, 00873763945549

Feature image source: NDTV