3 students killed, 5 injured as school van hit by train near Cuddalore
Three students were killed and several others injured in an accident at Semmankuppam near Cuddalore on Tuesday morning. The injured students were rushed to the Cuddalore Government Hospital for treatment.
The school van was carrying five students and a driver when the accident occurred.
According to the officials, the school van was struck by a train while reportedly crossing an open railway gate, dragging the vehicle for nearly 50 meters.
Local residents discovered the bodies of two students on the tracks and immediately alerted the authorities. Another student died while receiving the treatment at the hospital.
Officials from the Railway Department and local police have launched a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
According to a statement from the Railway, the van was attempting to cross the tracks at a manned but non-interlocked level crossing when it was struck by Train No. 56813, the Villupuram-Mayiladuthurai passenger service.
The railway said that a preliminary investigation has revealed that while the gatekeeper proceeded to close the gate, the van driver insisted on allowing the vehicle to cross the gate, which “should not have been permitted”.
“A committee of officers from the safety, operation, and engineering branch is investigating the incident,” it said in a statement.
A compensation of Rs 5 lakh has been announced for the victims, while students who sustained critical injuries will receive Rs 2.5 lakh.