Chennai: A tragic train accident near Semmanguppam in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district claimed the lives of two young schoolgirls on Monday morning, after a school van was struck by a speeding passenger train at an unmanned level crossing. The Tiruchi Railway Division has since suspended the gatekeeper on duty for alleged negligence.
The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m., when a van carrying schoolchildren attempted to cross the railway tracks despite an oncoming train. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle was hit by a passenger train heading towards Chidambaram and was dragged nearly 50 metres before coming to a halt, leaving the van severely mangled and sparking panic in the area.
Initial reports suggested that three children had died in the accident, but railway authorities later confirmed the deaths of two students. Several others, including the van driver, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Cuddalore Government Hospital. Some of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
In response to the incident, the Tiruchi Railway Division suspended Pankaj Sharma, the gatekeeper on duty at the time, pending a detailed inquiry. According to railway sources, preliminary findings indicate that the gate at the level crossing may have been left open or was not properly secured, allowing the van to pass onto the tracks at a dangerous moment.
A high-level inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the circumstances leading to the accident. The panel will review CCTV footage, railway communication logs, and eyewitness accounts to determine the exact sequence of events and identify lapses in protocol.
The accident has triggered widespread outrage among local residents and parents, who blame lax safety measures at railway crossings for endangering lives. “This could have been avoided if proper warning systems were in place. Our children should not pay the price for someone else’s negligence,” said Manisamy, a 45-year-old resident of Semmanguppam.
Railway officials have assured that strict action will be taken based on the committee’s findings, and that additional safety measures will be implemented at vulnerable railway crossings across the region to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Meanwhile, the community remains in mourning, gripped by grief and disbelief over the loss of young lives in a preventable disaster.
With IANS Inputs