Three school students and a cyclist lost their lives after a passenger train crashed into a school van at a railway crossing in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on Friday morning. The tragic accident took place at the Gobindpur railway gate near Karnasubarna railway station and left four others critically injured.
The Railways has termed the incident “deeply unfortunate” and confirmed that the gateman on duty has been arrested following the accident.
School Van Hit by Passenger Train in Murshidabad
According to police officials and eyewitnesses, the accident occurred shortly after the Howrah-bound Nabadwip Dham Express crossed the railway gate. The level crossing had reportedly been closed while the express train passed but was reopened immediately afterward, despite another passenger train being scheduled to arrive.
Seeing the open gate, the driver of the school van attempted to cross the railway tracks. A cyclist also tried to cross at the same time.
Moments later, the Nimtita-Katwa local passenger train, travelling at high speed, collided with the school van, resulting in multiple casualties and severe injuries.
Four Injured, Rescue Operations Conducted
The collision claimed the lives of three school-going children and the cyclist on the spot. Four other individuals sustained critical injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Rescue and emergency teams reached the site shortly after the incident.
Railways Calls Incident ‘Very Unfortunate’
Eastern Railway spokesperson Shibram Manjhi expressed grief over the incident and confirmed that disciplinary and legal action had been initiated.
“This is a very unfortunate incident in which three have died. The Railways has taken strict action, and the gateman has been arrested,” he said in an official statement.
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Preliminary Investigation Underway
Initial findings suggest that the railway gate may have been opened prematurely before the arrival of the Nimtita-Katwa local train. Authorities are investigating whether negligence at the level crossing contributed to the accident.
Officials are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry to determine the sequence of events and fix responsibility for the tragedy.
