4 students killed by train in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam near Tekkali
Synopsis
Four intermediate students, aged 16-17, were killed by the Rajya Rani Express while walking on a railway track near Tekkali in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. A fifth student was injured. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed support for the families and advanced care for the survivor — putting a renewed spotlight on pedestrian safety along unguarded rail corridors.
Key Takeaways
Four students — Visakha Rao , Dileep Kumar , Shiva , and Sarath Kumar — were killed by the Rajya Rani Express near Tekkali , Srikakulam , on 23 September 2026 .
All four were intermediate students (Classes 11-12) aged between 16 and 17 years , walking from Naupada to Tekkali along the track.
A fifth student, Salmon Raju , was injured and is under treatment at Tekkali District Hospital .
Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock, directed advanced medical care for the survivor, and ordered support for bereaved families.
Former Chief Minister Y.S.
Jagan Mohan Reddy also conveyed condolences and urged the government to assist affected families.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the accident.
Four students were killed and one injured after being struck by the Rajya Rani Express near Tekkali in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, on 23 September 2026, according to officials. The victims, all aged between 16 and 17 years, were walking along the railway track when they failed to notice the oncoming train.
What Happened Near Tekkali
According to police, the five students were travelling on foot from Naupada to Tekkali along the track when the Rajya Rani Express approached. The students did not notice the train in time. Four were killed on the spot and one, identified as Salmon Raju, sustained injuries and was admitted to a government hospital in Tekkali.
The four deceased were identified as Visakha Rao, Dileep Kumar, Shiva, and Sarath Kumar. According to local residents, all five were intermediate students — enrolled in classes 11 and 12.
Government Response and Investigation
The Tekkali Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) and senior police officers inspected the site. Police have registered a case and launched a formal investigation into the incident. Officials attributed the accident to the students' failure to notice the approaching train while walking on the track.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the deaths. He directed that injured student Salmon Raju be shifted to an advanced medical facility for better treatment, and instructed officials to extend all possible support and assistance to the bereaved families.
Political Condolences
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed shock and grief, calling the deaths of Visakha Rao, Dilip Kumar, Siva, and Sarath Kumar 'extremely tragic.' He conveyed condolences to their families and urged the state government to stand by those affected and extend all necessary assistance.
This incident is the latest in a series of fatalities involving pedestrians walking on railway tracks in India, a persistent safety concern in areas where tracks pass through or near residential zones without adequate fencing or warning systems.
What Happens Next
An investigation is underway; the state government has been directed to support the affected families. Salmon Raju remains under treatment at Tekkali District Hospital, with Chief Minister Naidu having called for advanced medical care to be arranged. Authorities are expected to review safety measures along the stretch where the accident occurred.
Point of View
The harder accountability question is whether rail and state authorities will now audit and fence the stretches most used as informal footpaths. Grief without structural follow-through will not prevent the next such incident.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Srikakulam train accident on 23 September 2026?
Four students were killed and one injured after being struck by the Rajya Rani Express near Tekkali in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, on 23 September 2026. The students were walking on the railway track from Naupada to Tekkali and failed to notice the approaching train.
Who were the students killed in the Tekkali train accident?
The four deceased were identified as Visakha Rao, Dileep Kumar, Shiva, and Sarath Kumar, all intermediate students (Classes 11 and 12) aged between 16 and 17 years. A fifth student, Salmon Raju, survived with injuries and was hospitalised.
What action has the Andhra Pradesh government taken?
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock, directed that injured student Salmon Raju receive advanced medical care, and instructed officials to extend full support to the bereaved families. Police have also registered a case and begun an investigation.
What is the condition of the injured student Salmon Raju?
Salmon Raju was admitted to a government hospital in Tekkali following the accident. Chief Minister Naidu has directed that he be provided with advanced medical care at Tekkali District Hospital.
Why were the students walking on the railway track?
According to police and local accounts, the students were travelling on foot from Naupada to Tekkali and were using the railway track as a route. Officials said they failed to notice the Rajya Rani Express approaching, leading to the fatal accident.
