Overview
- The victims were identified as Sterlin Eliza Shaji, 19, and Justin Joseph, 20, both from Pathanamthitta district in Kerala.
- They were first-year BSc nursing students at Sapthagiri College and lived in nearby paying-guest accommodation.
- The Bengaluru–Belagavi Vande Bharat Express struck them near Chikkabanavara around 2:35 pm after the train had left the station and picked up speed.
- Bengaluru Rural Railway Police and Yeshwanthpur Railway Police registered a UDR and are gathering details of the students’ movements and background.
- The bodies were moved to MS Ramaiah Hospital, and families have reached Bengaluru for further formalities.