Gateman forgot to close gate: Rly staffer

A section of railway staff, who appeared before the inquiry panel led by Senior Divisional Safety Officer (SDSO) of the Tiruchy Railway Division on Wednesday, informed the committee that the level crossing (LC) gate at Semmankuppam, located between Cuddalore Port and Alapakkam stations, was not closed by the gatekeeper at the time of the accident on Tuesday in which three schoolchildren died.

- B ANBUSELVAN @Chennai

During the inquiry, Alapakkam SM revealed that he received a call at 7.25 am on Tuesday from Sharma, who admitted to forgetting to close the level crossing gate, which led to the collision. Another railway employee told the panel that he was informed between 7.30 and 7.35 am that the accident occurred due to the non-closure of the gate.