In a devastating tragedy early Tuesday morning, three schoolchildren lost their lives and at least 10 others sustained injuries when a speeding express train collided with a school van at an unmanned level crossing in Semmankuppam, Cuddalore district.
The fatal crash occurred around 7:45 a.m. as the van attempted to cross Railway Gate No. 170, a non-interlocked level crossing located between Cuddalore and Alappakkam. The Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai Express (Train No. 56813) rammed into the van with immense force, reportedly tossing it several feet into the air and reducing it to a mangled heap.
Preliminary information indicates that the van driver failed to see the approaching train. However, eyewitnesses also pointed fingers at the railway gatekeeper, alleging that the gate was not closed in time.
Emergency services rushed the injured children to Cuddalore Government Hospital, where several are said to be in critical condition.
Authorities have begun an in-depth investigation to determine whether human error or procedural lapses played a role. The Divisional Railway Manager and other senior railway officials inspected the accident site. According to early findings, the van driver had allegedly pressured the gatekeeper to let the vehicle through, despite safety protocols. Southern Railway confirmed that both Operations and Engineering departments are probing the incident.
This heart-rending episode has reignited concerns over unmanned railway crossings and school transportation safety.