Tragic Train Accident Claims Lives of Children in Tamil Nadu

Devastating Incident at Unmanned Railway Crossing

Chennai, July 8: A heartbreaking accident unfolded on Tuesday morning in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore district, where a train collided with a school van at an unmanned railway crossing.

Initial reports indicate that three children lost their lives, while ten others, including the van's driver, sustained serious injuries.

The tragedy occurred as the school van attempted to navigate the railway tracks near Chemmankuppam.

A passenger train heading towards Chidambaram struck the van, dragging it approximately 50 meters before coming to a stop.

The force of the collision inflicted significant damage on the van, resulting in the immediate fatalities of three children, whose identities are still being verified.

Witnesses reported that the van was transporting schoolchildren along with the driver at the time of the incident.

The injured, including the critically hurt driver and the children, were swiftly taken to Cuddalore Government Hospital for urgent medical care. Health officials are closely monitoring their conditions, with concerns that the death toll may increase.

According to preliminary accounts from local residents and railway officials, the accident might have been caused by the alleged negligence of the school van driver.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and district authorities have launched a formal investigation to ascertain the precise cause of the accident and to establish accountability.

This tragic event has ignited anger among local residents, who gathered at the scene demanding enhanced safety measures at railway crossings, particularly in school areas. Locals were the first to respond to the loud crash, desperately trying to assist the trapped children until authorities arrived for rescue operations.

Officials have promised that appropriate actions will be taken based on the investigation's outcomes.

Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.