Tragic Train Accident Claims Lives of School Children in Kuddalore

A tragic accident in Kuddalore district has resulted in the deaths of three school children after their van was struck by a train at a railway crossing. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at such crossings, especially after reports indicated that the gatekeeper may have fallen asleep. The driver and two others were seriously injured, with one student hospitalized. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the driver insisted on crossing despite the gate being closed. This incident highlights the urgent need for improved safety protocols at railway crossings.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 8, 2025, 13:26 IST

Fatal Collision at Railway Crossing

In a heartbreaking incident in Semmankuppam, Kuddalore district, a school van was struck by a passenger train, resulting in the deaths of at least three children. The driver and two others sustained serious injuries. The van, belonging to the private CBSE school Krishna Swamy Vidyaniketan, was attempting to cross railway level crossing gate number 170, which is a manually operated gate, when it was hit by train number 56813 traveling from Villupuram to Mayiladuthurai. One additional student was injured and has been admitted to the government hospital in Kuddalore.

Eyewitness Accounts and Investigation

Witnesses reported that the gatekeeper, identified as Pankaj Sharma, had fallen asleep and failed to close the gate in time. Following the incident, an angry crowd assaulted the gatekeeper. Preliminary investigations revealed that as Mr. Sharma attempted to close the gate, the van driver insisted on crossing, which should not have been permitted.