A tragic accident at an unmanned railway level crossing in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district claimed the lives of three people, including two school students, after a school van was struck by a local train on Friday morning. Several other children suffered injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The accident took place near Karna Subarna railway station at around 7 am, sending shockwaves through the local community and disrupting railway services on the affected route.

School van carrying children struck while crossing tracks

According to officials, the school van, a Tata Sumo carrying around 10 schoolchildren, attempted to cross the railway tracks at the Gobindapur level crossing near Karna Subarna station when it was hit by an approaching local train.

Initial information indicates that the railway crossing gate was open at the time of the collision. The powerful impact completely crushed the vehicle, causing multiple casualties and leaving several children seriously injured.

Emergency teams and local residents quickly reached the spot to rescue those trapped inside the damaged vehicle.

Three killed, several children seriously injured

Authorities confirmed that three people, including two school students, lost their lives in the accident.

Several injured children were shifted to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, where some remain in intensive care. The van driver also sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment.

Doctors continue to monitor the condition of the injured children.

Disturbing visuals reveal extent of destruction

Videos from the accident site showed the devastating impact of the crash. The school van was almost completely destroyed, with shattered windows, a crushed body, a smashed windshield and the roof badly damaged.

The visuals highlighted the severity of the collision and prompted immediate concern among residents and authorities.

Residents protest over alleged negligence

Soon after the accident, angry locals staged protests near the accident site, alleging negligence in the management of the railway crossing.

Some residents claimed the gatekeeper may not have been performing duties properly and demanded strict action against those responsible. Authorities have not officially confirmed these allegations and said they will be examined during the investigation.

The protests briefly affected movement in the surrounding area as people demanded improved railway safety measures.

Railway launches investigation into accident

Railway authorities have formed a 10-member investigation team to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Officials will examine whether safety procedures were followed at the crossing, the functioning of railway staff, and other factors that may have contributed to the tragedy.

The Railway Protection Force and local police have also launched parallel investigations.

Train services disrupted on Eastern Railway route

Following the collision, train operations on the Azimganj-Katwa section of Eastern Railway’s Howrah division were disrupted for several hours.

Railway officials worked to restore normal services while rescue operations and the investigation continued at the accident site.

Passengers travelling through the affected route experienced delays as authorities cleared the tracks.

Calls grow for stronger railway safety

The incident has once again raised concerns about safety at level crossings across the country, particularly those used by school vehicles and local commuters.

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar expressed grief over the deaths and called for a thorough inquiry into the incident. He said the loss of children’s lives was heartbreaking and stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation to determine responsibility.

Authorities are expected to submit a detailed report after completing the inquiry.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where did the train-van accident happen?

The accident occurred near Karna Subarna railway station in Murshidabad district, West Bengal.

2. How many people died in the accident?

Three people, including two school students, lost their lives.

3. How many children were inside the school van?

The van was reportedly carrying around 10 schoolchildren.

4. What caused the accident?

The school van was hit by a local train while crossing a railway level crossing. Officials are investigating the exact cause.

5. Were other children injured?

Yes. Several children suffered injuries and are undergoing treatment at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital.

6. Has an investigation been launched?

Yes. Railway authorities have formed a 10-member investigation team, while local police are also investigating.

7. Were train services affected?

Yes. Train movement on the Azimganj-Katwa section of Eastern Railway was disrupted after the accident.

8. What did local residents allege?

Residents protested after the accident, alleging negligence at the railway crossing and demanding accountability.

9. What has the government said?

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar expressed condolences and called for a thorough investigation into the tragedy.

10. Why has this accident raised concern?

The incident has renewed concerns over railway crossing safety and the need for stronger safeguards to prevent similar accidents involving school vehicles.