Tamil Nadu: Train hits school van at unmanned crossing in Cuddalore, 3 children dead

Chennai: A devastating accident occurred near Chemmankuppam in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district on Tuesday morning, when a train collided with a school van at an unmanned railway crossing. Initial reports indicate that three children died instantly, and ten others, including the van driver, sustained serious injuries. The incident happened as the school van was attempting.

Chennai: A devastating accident occurred near Chemmankuppam in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district on Tuesday morning, when a train collided with a school van at an unmanned railway crossing. Initial reports indicate that three children died instantly, and ten others, including the van driver, sustained serious injuries.

The incident happened as the school van was attempting to cross the railway tracks when a passenger train heading to Chidambaram hit the vehicle, dragging it for around 50 meters before it stopped. The crash caused extensive damage to the van, and the identities of the deceased children are yet to be confirmed.

Eyewitnesses stated that the van was carrying school children along with the driver when the collision occurred. Emergency services rushed the injured, including the severely wounded driver and children, to Cuddalore Government Hospital for immediate medical care. Authorities are closely monitoring their conditions, and there is concern that the death toll could increase.

Local residents and railway officials suggested that the accident might have been caused by the negligence of the van driver. An investigation has been launched by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and district authorities to ascertain the cause of the mishap and identify those responsible.

The tragic event has sparked anger among local residents, who gathered at the site to demand stricter safety measures at railway crossings, particularly in school zones. It was local people who were among the first to rush to the scene after hearing the loud impact, helping to save the children until emergency crews arrived.

Authorities have assured that appropriate action will be taken once the investigation is complete. More updates are expected as new information unfolds.