**Tragic Train Accident Claims Lives of Three Students in Cuddalore**
A devastating accident occurred on Tuesday at a railway crossing in Cuddalore, where a school van collided with a train, resulting in the deaths of three students. The incident has led to legal action against gatekeeper Pankaj Sharma, who faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, causing death by negligence, and endangering the safety of others. These charges are based on Sections 105, 106, and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 151 of the Railways Act.
The accident took place at Gate Number 170, a manned but non-interlocked level crossing located in Semmankuppam, near Cuddalore. Following the incident, the Railways suspended Sharma, who was subsequently arrested. In his place, a new gatekeeper named Anandraj, who speaks Tamil, has been appointed. This change comes after DMK leader TKS Elangovan suggested that a language barrier may have contributed to the tragedy, as the previous gatekeeper’s inability to understand Tamil could have played a role in the accident.
On the morning of the accident, a school van carrying five students and the driver was struck by the Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai passenger train, which dragged the vehicle nearly 50 meters. While three students tragically lost their lives, others sustained serious injuries. A preliminary statement from the Railways indicated that the accident occurred while the gatekeeper was attempting to close the gate, with the van driver allegedly insisting on crossing. However, both the injured van driver and one of the students contested this account, claiming that the level-crossing gate was open and unattended at the time of the collision. The van driver, Shankar, stated, “The gate was open, there was no signal. I didn’t even see the gatekeeper.” Similarly, injured student Vishwesh remarked, “The gatekeeper didn’t come out even after the van was hit.”
In response to the tragedy, the Railways and local police have initiated a joint investigation. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his sorrow over the incident, announcing a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured, while also directing authorities to ensure quality medical treatment for the survivors.
**FAQ**
**What happened in the Cuddalore train accident?**
A school van was struck by a train at a railway crossing in Cuddalore, resulting in the deaths of three students and serious injuries to others. Legal action has been taken against the gatekeeper involved.
