Tragic Accident: Train Collides with School Van in Tamil Nadu, Resulting in 2 Student Deaths

Two 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.

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.

Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigation suggest that while the gatekeeper was in the process of closing the gate to stop traffic for the approaching train, the van driver allegedly insisted on crossing the tracks. This violation led to the fatal collision.

The railway has dispatched a relief train equipped with medical facilities to the site. Additionally, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and Branch Officers are proceeding to the spot.

According to the source: India Today.