Hyderabad:
Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy expressed shock over the train accident at Penukonda in Anantpur district and has visited the accident spot.
The Chief Minister would also go to meet the injured people in the hospitals, sources said.
As many as 16 passengers were killed and over 40 others injured when the Bangalore-bound Hampi Express rammed into a goods train.
Mr Reddy directed Anantpur district Collector and Superintendent of Police to rush to the accident spot and take up relief and rescue measures. He also directed that necessary medical help be provided to the injured passengers.
State Chief Secretary Pankaj Dwivedi spoke to the district Collector over phone and enquired about the relief operations. He is constantly monitoring the situation and coordinating with the railway officials, a press release from the Chief Minister Office said.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed shock over the train accident and requested the government to provide all assistance to victims. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.
State Revenue Minister N Raghuveera Reddy and School Education Minister S Sailajanath, who hails from Anantpur district, rushed to Penukonda to oversee the rescue and relief operations.
MP K Chiranjeevi, who was in Anantpur campaigning for the Congress, also rushed to Penukonda and consoled the injured passengers in hospital.