25 dead, 40 hurt in Andhra train collision at Penneconda station of Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district

At least 25 persons were killed and around 40 injured when Bengaluru-bound Hampi Express collided with a stationary goods train at Penneconda station of Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district early on Tuesday morning.

At least 25 persons were killed and around 40 injured when Bengaluru-bound Hampi Express collided with a stationary goods train at Penneconda station of Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district early on Tuesday morning.
Ananthpur district collector Durga Das confirmed that the death toll had risen to 25. He said that operations are still on and the district administration was coordinating with the various other forces.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has announced compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the families of the deceased.
Preliminary investigations into the train crash show that it was human error that led to the tragedy. Sources informed that the data logger, which is attached to the signal, confirms that it was an error on part of the driver which led to the incident.
As rescue operations continue at the spot, it has been confirmed that both drivers, Balraj and Yeshu, are safe. They are being questioned by the railway authorities who are ascertaining the cause of the accident.

The collision resulted in the train getting derailed and two coaches catching fire. While the fire has been brought under control, rescue operations are still on.
The injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy expressed shock over the train accident at Penukonda and is expected to visit the accident spot by Tuesday afternoon.
The chief minister would be leaving for the accident spot soon and would also go to meet the injured persons in hospitals, sources said.
Railway Minister Mukul Roy, who was in Kolkata, has ordered an inquiry into the accident. Commissioner Railway Safety (Southern Circle), S K Mittal, will conduct a statutory inquiry and has been asked to submit a report at the earliest. "It is sad that so many precious lives have been lost," he said.