Thu Jul 17 08:23:22 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken notice of a train accident in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, where a passenger train collided with a school van at an open level crossing, resulting in the deaths of three schoolchildren and injuries to others. The NHRC has issued notices to several authorities, including the Railway Board, the Union Ministry of Railways, the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, and the Director-General of Police, seeking a detailed report on the incident within two weeks, along with the health status of the injured. The Commission also highlighted that an underpass was previously sanctioned for the level crossing but lacked the necessary permission from the District Collector for the past year.

**News Article:**

**NHRC Investigates Deadly Train-School Van Collision in Tamil Nadu**

**CHENNAI, July 17, 2025** – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an investigation into a tragic train accident that claimed the lives of three schoolchildren in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, on July 8th. A passenger train collided with a school van at a level crossing, also leaving several others injured.

The NHRC has taken *suo motu* cognisance of media reports indicating that the level crossing gate was open when the accident occurred. The commission has issued notices to key officials, including the Chairman of the Railway Board, the Union Ministry of Railways, the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, and the Director-General of Police, demanding a comprehensive report within two weeks. The NHRC is also seeking details on the current health condition of the injured victims.

“The contents of the media report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights,” stated an official release from the NHRC.

The investigation will also focus on why a previously sanctioned underpass for the same level crossing has been stalled due to a lack of necessary permission from the District Collector for the past year, as reported by local media. This delay in infrastructure improvements is now under scrutiny as a potential contributing factor to the fatal accident. The investigation continues.

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