Cuddalore: A tragedy unfolded in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore district after a school van crossing railway tracks was hit by a train in Sembankuppam on Tuesday morning. Two students reportedly died in the accident, while several others were reportedly injured.
As per the Southern Railway, the incident took place at around 7:45 am when a van carrying students attempted to cross Railway Level Crossing Gate No. 170 (a non-interlocked gate) between Cuddalore and Alappakkam.
The van was hit by Villupuram the Mayiladuthurai passenger train (56813). "Tragically, six students have been injured and admitted to the Government Hospital, Cuddalore. A railway relief train with a medical relief van has been dispatched to the site. The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and Branch Officers are proceeding to the spot," the Southern Railway said as quoted by ANI.
According to the preliminary inquiry, the gatekeeper proceeded to close the gate, and the van driver insisted on allowing the van to cross the gate, which should not have been permitted.
A committee of officers from Safety, Operations and the Engineering branch are investigating the incident.
