Tue Jul 08 15:06:41 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A tragic accident occurred at a manned level crossing in Semmankuppam, Cuddalore, India, where a school van collided with a passenger train, resulting in the deaths of three students. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the cause, with Southern Railway initially blaming the gatekeeper for opening the gate against protocol, leading to his suspension and arrest. However, eyewitnesses claim the gate was already open and the gatekeeper failed to notice the approaching train. The accident has sparked outrage, with calls for increased compensation for the victims’ families, improved safety measures at railway crossings, and an investigation into the incident. Local politicians are advocating for more local hires as gatekeepers and easier approvals for bridges and underpasses.
**News Article:**
**Three Students Killed in School Van-Train Collision in Cuddalore, India**
**CUDDALORE, July 8, 2025** – A devastating collision between a school van and a passenger train at a manned level crossing in Semmankuppam, Cuddalore, has claimed the lives of three students. The accident involving the Villupuram-Mayiladuthurai Passenger train and a van from Krishnaswamy Vidyanikethan, a private CBSE school, occurred at approximately 7:24 AM at gate no. 170, a non-interlocked manned gate between Cuddalore and Alappakkam.
Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the cause of the tragedy. Southern Railway initially stated that preliminary investigations suggest the gatekeeper, Pankaj Sharma, opened the gate against protocol, allowing the van to cross despite the approaching train. Sharma has been suspended and arrested for alleged criminal negligence.
However, eyewitnesses contradict this account. Several locals reported that the gate was already open before the train arrived, and the gatekeeper appeared to have failed to notice the oncoming train.
The impact of the collision left the van severely damaged, and the scene was described as chaotic and heartbreaking. First responders rushed to the scene to assist, but tragically, Charumathy, Nimalesh, and Chezhiyan (Charumathy’s brother) were declared dead.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. Villupuram MP D. Ravikumar has urged the Railways to double the compensation to the families of the victims to ₹10 lakh and called for a review of hiring practices, suggesting more local residents should be employed as gatekeepers. He also advocated for easier approval processes for the construction of bridges and underpasses near level crossings.
Empower India, a consumer advocacy group, has urged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to implement automatic operation systems at all railway gates and to install interlocking signal technology and sirens at vulnerable crossings. They are also calling for a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine the exact cause and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident has highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures at railway crossings across India.
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