4 students killed, 1 critical after train hits them in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam
Four students were killed while another was critically injured after they were hit by a train while crossing a railway track in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district on Wednesday, police said. The victims, all below 20 years of age, were reportedly students staying at a government SC and ST hostel in Tekkali.
The incident took place in Ravivalasa area of Tekkali at around 1 pm, according to Srikakulam district Superintendent of Police KV Maheshwar Reddy.
The five youngsters had reportedly gone fishing in floodwaters that had accumulated in the area following heavy rains associated with the cyclone.
While returning, the group was crossing the railway track when the Rajadhani Express, travelling from Bhubaneswar towards Gunupur, approached and hit them. Police said the students apparently failed to notice the approaching train.
Four of the victims β Visakharavu, Dileep, Sharath and Shiva β suffered severe injuries and died on the spot.
The fifth, identified in the initial account as Salman Raju and in the police-related account as Solomon Raj, sustained critical injuries. He was taken to the local hospital for treatment.
According to the information provided to officials, the students were from nearby villages and were staying at the SC and ST government hostel in Tekkali.
They were reportedly from Damaru village in Tekkali mandal and were studying at the Intermediate level.
Police reached the site soon after being alerted and conducted an inspection of the accident spot. Arrangements were also made to shift the bodies for post-mortem examinations as part of the investigation.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the deaths and conveyed his condolences to the families of the students.
An official release said officials briefed the Chief Minister about the incident and informed him that the students had not noticed the approaching train. Naidu directed officials to provide assistance to the affected families.
The surviving student, Solomon Raj, is undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Police are continuing their investigation to establish the circumstances leading to the accident, while further details are expected to emerge after the inquiry and post-mortem procedures.- EndsWith PTI inputsPublished By: Vivek Published On: Sep 23, 2026 20:13 IST
