A tragic accident shook the town of Cuddalore on Tuesday morning when a school van carrying students was struck by a passenger train at a railway level crossing in Semmankuppam. The collision resulted in the deaths of three children and left several others, including the van driver, injured.
What Happened?
The accident took place around 7:45 am at Level Crossing Gate No. 170. The school van was on its regular route to Krishnaswamy Vidyaniketan Senior Secondary School, carrying five students. As the van attempted to cross the railway tracks, it was hit by the Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai passenger train. The impact was so severe that the van was dragged nearly 50 metres, and the vehicle was left completely smashed.
The children who lost their lives were T Charumathy (16), her brother T Chezhiyan (15), and V Niwas (12). Another student, Viswesh, and the van driver, C Sankar (47), were rushed to the government hospital for treatment.
Conflicting Accounts
The cause of the accident has been the subject of much debate. According to the Southern Railway’s initial statement, the van driver insisted on crossing the tracks even as the gatekeeper was closing the gate, which should not have been allowed. However, both the injured van driver and a surviving student have strongly denied this, saying the gate was open and unattended when they crossed. They also claimed there was no signal or warning about an approaching train.
Eyewitnesses and locals supported the students’ version, alleging that the gatekeeper was absent or asleep in his cabin. The gatekeeper was later suspended and arrested after being attacked by angry residents.
Impact on Other Kids
The effects of such a disaster go far beyond the immediate physical injuries. For children who survive or witness such accidents, the trauma can be deep and lasting. Experts say that young survivors of school vehicle crashes may experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and a strong sense of fear and insecurity.
“The once routine act of boarding a school bus can become a source of intense fear, impacting their educational access and social interaction,” notes a recent article on the psychological aftermath of such crashes.
Symptoms can include nightmares, flashbacks, and severe anxiety, all of which can interfere with a child’s daily life and learning. Even children who were not directly involved but heard about the accident may feel scared or anxious about going to school or crossing railway tracks.
Community and Official Response
The railway authorities and the Tamil Nadu government have announced compensation for the families of the victims. The Railways offered ₹5 lakh to the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh to the grievously injured, and ₹50,000 for others who were hurt. The Chief Minister also expressed grief and announced similar support.
Meanwhile, a joint investigation has been launched by railway and police officials to determine exactly what went wrong and to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
What Can Be Done?
In the wake of the accident, many parents and safety experts are demanding stricter safety measures at railway crossings, especially those used by school vehicles. Suggestions include:
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Ensuring all railway gates are always manned and properly closed when trains approach.
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Installing automated signals and alarms that are loud and visible.
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Regular training and monitoring of gatekeepers to prevent negligence.
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Educating drivers and children about the dangers of crossing railway tracks.
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Providing psychological support and counseling for children affected by the accident.
While the investigation is ongoing, it is important to remember that accidents like these are often the result of multiple failures — not just one person’s mistake. The focus should be on understanding what went wrong, supporting those affected, and making sure that all possible steps are taken to protect children in the future.
Accidents at railway crossings are a reminder that safety must always come first, especially when it comes to children. By working together — parents, schools, authorities, and communities — we can help ensure that such tragedies do not happen again, and that children feel safe on their way to school.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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