At least two students lost their lives and six others were injured on Tuesday morning after a school van collided with a passenger train at a railway-level crossing in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district.
The accident took place around 7:45 am at a non-interlocked manned level crossing between Cuddalore and Alappakkam, when the van was hit by the Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai passenger train, railway officials said. The van was completely destroyed in the impact.
According to a preliminary investigation by the railway authorities, the tragedy occurred despite the gatekeeper beginning the process of closing the gate. However, the van driver reportedly insisted on crossing the track.
“While the gatekeeper was closing the gate, the school van driver insisted on being allowed through, which should not have been permitted,” the railway said in an official statement.
As a result of the incident, the gatekeeper involved has been suspended, and a formal probe has been launched.
“A committee of officers from the safety, operations, and engineering branches has been formed to investigate the incident,” the railway further stated.
Authorities have announced compensation of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased students. Those who sustained serious injuries will receive ₹2.5 lakh.
