Tragedy Strikes as Speeding Train Hits School Bus in Tamil Nadu Leaving Two Children Dead and Several Injured
Speeding Passenger Train Rams into School Van at Railway Crossing, Leaves 3 Injured
Cuddalore, July 8, 2025 – In a devastating accident, at least two school children were killed and three others, including the van driver, sustained serious injuries after a passenger train collided with their school van at a manned railway crossing in Semmankuppam near Cuddalore SIPCOT on Tuesday morning.
The van, belonging to a private CBSE school, was attempting to cross Railway Level Crossing Gate No. 170 (a non-interlocked manned gate) between Cuddalore and Alappakkam when it was struck by Train No. 56813 (Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai passenger). The impact was severe, dragging the van over 50 meters and completely wrecking it.
Fatalities and Injuries
The deceased students have been identified as Charumathi, 15, and Venkatesh, 10. Three others, including the van driver, Sankar (45), were rushed to Cuddalore Government General Hospital with critical injuries. Authorities fear the death toll could rise.
Eyewitnesses Blame Gatekeeper, Railway Launches Probe
Preliminary investigations suggest that the gatekeeper, Pankaj Sharma, allegedly failed to close the crossing gate in time. Eyewitnesses claim he was asleep on duty, leading to the fatal collision. Enraged villagers thrashed Sharma before police intervened.
However, Sharma defended himself, stating that the van driver insisted on crossing despite warnings. Southern Railway has suspended Sharma and dispatched a committee of officers (Safety, Operations, and Engineering branches) to investigate.
#Schoolbusaccident : #Tamilnadu
— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) July 8, 2025
A School Bus Crossing a Railway Track was Hit by a #Train at Semmankuppam near #Cuddalore, 2 Children Dead and 4 injured
Horrific, at least 2 #Students were killed and 3 others sustained serious injuries after a #SchoolBus carrying them was… pic.twitter.com/WZCnXoOfGD
Rescue and Relief Efforts
A railway relief train with a medical van was sent to the accident site. The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and other officials are en route. Meanwhile, Cuddalore SP S. Jeyakumar stated that only a detailed probe can determine the exact cause.
Growing Concerns Over Railway Crossing Safety
This tragic incident has reignited concerns over safety at unmanned and manned railway crossings, especially in rural areas. Locals demand stricter enforcement to prevent such accidents in the future.
