Inquiry ordered into Bangalore-Nanded train mishap

New Delhi: Railways on Monday ordered an inquiry into the Bangalore-Nanded train accident in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.

Commissioner Railway Safety of Southern Circle has been asked to conduct the probe and submit the report at the earliest, Railway spokesperson Anil Saxena said.

A speeding granite-laden truck rammed into Bangalore-Nanded Express train after breaking the closed gate at a level crossing in Anantapur district in the early hours today killing six persons and injuring two.

Blaming the truck driver for the mishap, the spokesperson said it was a manned level crossing and the driver broke the level crossing gate and hit the train.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu condoled the death of passengers in the "unfortunate" accident.

Ex-gratia will be given to the affected, he tweeted and also asked senior officials including General Manager of the region to rush to the spot.

"We are expecting the line to be cleared for traffic by 4 pm and till then trains would be diverted due to the mishap," Saxena said.

Railways has also made several helplines operational to help families of the victims.