Patna, Oct 3 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday expressed grief over the tragic death of four people who were hit by the Vande Bharat Express in Purnea district.

'This incident is extremely sad,' the Chief Minister said in a condolence message, praying for strength for the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

The state government has also announced Rs 4 lakh compensation to each of the family members of the deceased.

This incident has created a shockwave in the entire Seemanchal region.

The accident occurred around 5 a.m. on Friday near the Kasba railway station crossing on the Jogbani-Katihar rail section.

According to an official, five youths, engaged in makhana farming, were returning on foot from a Dussehra fair and walking along the tracks when they were struck by the Jogbani-Danapur Vande Bharat Express.

Three of them died on the spot, while two others were rushed to Purnea Government Medical College Hospital.

One of the injured later succumbed to his injuries, while another remains under treatment.

'This unfortunate incident claimed the lives of four young men while one is still undergoing treatment,' said MD Habiuddin, chowkidar of Kasba Police Station.

The Jogbani-Danapur Vande Bharat Express was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 15 via video link. Regular operations on the route began shortly after.

Earlier on Thursday, three people, including a woman, lost their lives and seven others were injured in a road accident in Bihar's Kaimur district.

According to police, a speeding SUV rammed into a parked container truck from behind on the south lane of NH-19 near Chhajjupur Pond under Durgawati police station limits.

The deceased were identified as Muslim Ansari (45), a resident of Jharkhand, and Munna Ansari (45) and Razia Khatoon (60), both from Rohtas district.

The injured passengers, all travelling in the vehicle, were rushed to Sadar Hospital, Bhabhua, for treatment.

/IANS