Two Students Killed as School Van Collides with Train in Tamil Nadu
Two school students, aged 12 and 16, were killed and four others were injured when their van collided with a passenger train at a manned level crossing in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. The impact destroyed the vehicle. Southern Railway has suspended the gatekeeper for allegedly violating safety rules by opening the gate for the van driver, who reportedly insisted on crossing to reach the school early. The state government and railways have announced ex-gratia payments to the victims' families.
Unpacked:
The gatekeeper allegedly violated safety protocols by opening the gate for the van driver, who insisted on crossing despite the train’s approach, which is against standard procedures at manned level crossings. The railway’s preliminary investigation indicated the vehicle should not have been permitted to cross at that time.
A 'non-interlocked manned gate' lacks an automated system to synchronize gate operation with train signals, relying solely on human judgment. This increases the risk of errors, as decisions depend on the gatekeeper’s vigilance and compliance with protocols, making such crossings more vulnerable to accidents if rules are not strictly followed.
The state government and railways have announced ex-gratia payments: ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased students and ₹2.5 lakh for those who sustained critical injuries. These compensations come from both the Southern Railway and the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund.
While the provided reports do not mention specific previous incidents at this crossing, accidents at railway crossings—especially non-interlocked or unmanned ones—have been a recurring concern in Tamil Nadu and across India, leading to calls for enhanced safety measures and stricter checks at such crossings.