Tamil Nadu: Train Hits School Bus; 3 Students Killed In Cuddalore District

In a tragic incident, three students were killed after a train hit a school bus at a level crossing in Sembankuppam in Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.

The Bus-Train Collision

The incident occurred when the bus tried to pass the unmanned railway gate. The express train was on its way to Mayiladuthurai from Villupuram when it hit the school bus.

At least 10 others have been injured. Residents from the surrounding area rushed to the scene to rescue the victims and alerted police and emergency services. Authorities confirmed that two individuals died in the crash. Officials have stated that a greater tragedy was averted as the van was not at full capacity, according to a report in Oneindia Tamil.

According to the report, the gatekeeper's alleged negligence is being cited as the primary cause of the collision. Eyewitnesses said that the gate was left open, giving the van driver no warning of the approaching train.

Such railway crossings are common in the area, and while gatekeepers are responsible for closing them to traffic when a train is due, pedestrians and cyclists are often seen crossing dangerously under the barriers.

Both police and railway authorities have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.

TN CM Announces Compensation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has expressed his deep shock over the accident and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased students.

In a post on X, Stalin said, "I have instructed that high-quality medical treatment be provided to the four individuals injured in this accident and receiving treatment at the Cuddalore Government Hospital. Additionally, I have directed the Honorable Minister @MRKPanneer and the District Collector to personally visit and provide assistance."

The Tamil Nadu government has announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia to the families of the victims killed in the incident and Rs 5 lakh to the injured.

"I am deeply shocked and pained by the tragic news of the accident in Cuddalore Semmanguppam, where two young students lost their lives. "I have ordered that five lakh rupees each be provided from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to the parents of the children who lost their lives in this accident. Furthermore, one lakh rupees each for those severely injured and under treatment, and fifty thousand rupees each for those with minor injuries, have also been ordered to be provided," he said.