3 students killed as TN van rams into train, Rlys gatekeeper held

Three school students were killed in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday when the van they were travelling in collided with a passenger train, even as different versions of the tragic incident surfaced.

- Press Trust of India

The gatekeeper posted at the level crossing in question has been suspended and arrested, said Southern Railway, which apologised for the “unfortunate incident”.

Around 7:45 am, the school van carrying the students attempted to cross the railway level crossing Gate No. 170 (a non-interlocked manned gate) between Cuddalore and Alap pakkam, and was hit by Train No. 56813 Villupuram-Mayiladuthurai passenger, it added.

Due to the impact, the van was flung a distance away from the level crossing. The loco pilot managed to stop the train after traversing some distance, police said. TV visuals showed the mangled remains of the yellow-painted school vehicle.

While the Southern Railway said the level crossing was closed and the van driver insisted it be opened to avoid delay, the latter and one of the injured students claimed the gate was open.

“Tragically, 3 students expired and 1 student & driver have been injured and admitted to the Government Hospital, Cuddalore/ JIPMER Pondicherry (Puducherry),” a Southern Railway release in Chennai said. One of the injured students succumbed in a hospital.