Tragic Train Collision in West Bengal Claims Five Lives, Including Four Children
Incident Overview
Photo: @ians_india/X
Kolkata, July 17: A devastating accident occurred earlier today in Karnasubarna, located in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, where a train collided with a van at a railway crossing. The incident has resulted in the tragic loss of five lives, including four schoolchildren and one adult.
Compensation and Support
In response to this tragedy, both the Railways and the West Bengal government have pledged financial support to the families of the victims. Several other schoolchildren and the van driver are currently receiving medical care at Baharampur Medical College and Hospital.
The Railways has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for each affected family, while Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has declared an additional ₹5 lakh for the relatives of each deceased individual.
On social media, the Chief Minister expressed his commitment to ensuring that all necessary assistance is provided to the injured and the families affected by this incident.
Government Response
Minister Gouri Sankar Ghosh has already visited the hospital to oversee the situation. The District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police have been on-site since the morning, personally managing the response efforts.
The Chief Minister assured that the best medical care is being provided to those in treatment, with state Health Minister Dr. Sharadwat Mukherjee personally ensuring quality care at the medical facility.
Investigation and Accountability
“Negligence will not be tolerated,” the Chief Minister stated, confirming that the railway gateman has been arrested by state police. A comprehensive investigation into the incident's circumstances is underway, with a promise of strict action against those responsible.
Initial investigations suggest that the accident was caused by gross negligence on the part of the gateman, who was reportedly intoxicated and failed to close the railway gate despite being alerted about the approaching Nimtita-Katwa local train.
As a result of his inaction, the driver of the school van attempted to cross the tracks, leading to the tragic collision that claimed five lives, including four children.
The Railways has suspended the gateman for serious negligence, and he has since been taken into custody by the police.