A tragic accident occurred on Tuesday morning in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district when a school van carrying students collided with the Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai passenger train at a non-interlocked railway crossing gate. Three children—Charumathi (16), Sezhiyan (15), and Nimalesh (12)—lost their lives, while four others, including the van driver, were injured and admitted to the Government Hospital.
Eyewitnesses and preliminary investigations indicate the gatekeeper failed to close the gate on time, and the van driver reportedly insisted on crossing despite warnings. The gatekeeper has been suspended for negligence, and authorities are conducting a joint investigation. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has expressed condolences and announced ex gratia compensation for the victims’ families.
Fatal Collision at Cuddalore Railway Crossing
The accident took place around 7:45 am near Semmankuppam, between Cuddalore and Alappakkam, at Railway Level Crossing Gate No. 170, which is manually operated and non-interlocked. The school van was en route to Krishnaswamy Vidyaniketan Senior Secondary School in Kumarapuram when it was struck by the train and dragged approximately 50 metres.
Locals rushed to the scene to assist, finding the van severely damaged and the children critically injured. “The gatekeeper was asleep or negligent, and the van driver crossed despite warnings,” said a local eyewitness. The injured, including the driver, are receiving treatment, with some in critical but stable condition.
Negligence and Safety Concerns
Initial reports from railway officials reveal that the gate was left open due to a mechanical failure and possible human error. The gatekeeper has been suspended and faces potential dismissal. The railway department stated that the van driver insisted on crossing even as the gatekeeper was attempting to close the gate, a violation of safety protocols.
A committee comprising safety, operations, and engineering officials is investigating the incident to determine accountability. The tragedy has reignited calls from locals and safety advocates for stricter enforcement and technological upgrades at vulnerable railway crossings, especially those frequented by school vehicles.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The loss of young lives in Cuddalore is a heartrending reminder of the urgent need to prioritise safety at railway crossings across India. At The Logical Indian, we advocate for compassionate dialogue and systemic reforms that protect children and communities from preventable tragedies.
While holding individuals accountable is necessary, it is equally critical to invest in infrastructure upgrades, automation, and rigorous safety enforcement to eliminate human error.
