A devastating accident occurred this morning in Sembankuppam village, Cuddalore district, when a train crashed into a school van at a railway crossing, killing two young students and injuring others. The incident has left the community in shock and sparked anger over safety failures at railway crossings in Tamil Nadu. People are asking: Who is to blame for this tragedy that could have been prevented?
What Happened in Cuddalore?
Around 7:45 AM, a school van carrying four students tried to cross Railway Level Crossing Gate No. 170, an unmanned crossing between Cuddalore and Alappakkam. The Villupuram-Mayiladuthurai passenger train (Train No. 56813) hit the van, dragging it about 50 meters along the tracks. The crash killed two students, aged 10 and 12, and injured two others and the van driver. The van was completely wrecked, leaving villagers and rescuers horrified.
Cuddalore’s Superintendent of Police, Jayakumar, confirmed the deaths and said the Railway Police, railway officials, and state police are investigating together to find out what caused the accident. Work to repair the crossing started quickly, but the community is still grieving deeply.
A Village in Grief
The tragedy has hit Sembankuppam hard. Parents, teachers, and locals gathered at the accident site, overcome with sadness. “These kids were just going to school, full of dreams,” said one villager who didn’t want to share their name. “How could this happen so close to our homes?”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin offered his condolences and promised financial help: Rs 5 lakh for the families of the students who died, Rs 1 lakh for those with serious injuries, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries. BJP state president Annamalai also shared his sympathies and called for justice and accountability.
Why Was the Crossing Unmanned?
Early reports suggest serious safety problems at the crossing. Gate No. 170 is an unmanned, non-interlocked crossing, meaning it has no automatic barriers or a gatekeeper to control traffic. Villagers say these crossings are common in rural Tamil Nadu and are dangerous, especially for schoolchildren.
Railway officials said the crossing was supposed to have a gatekeeper, but no one was there when the accident happened. This has led to questions about negligence. Was the gatekeeper absent without permission, or is the railway system not providing enough staff? The investigation will look into these issues, and the gatekeeper could face arrest.
A Pattern of Safety Issues?
This isn’t the first such tragedy in Tamil Nadu. Unmanned railway crossings are a widespread problem in India, with over 15,000 reported across the country in 2023. The government promised to remove all unmanned crossings by 2025, but progress in rural areas like Cuddalore has been slow. A 2024 Indian Railways audit found that 30% of Tamil Nadu’s level crossings lack proper safety features, like interlocked gates or warning signs.
The Cuddalore accident has restarted debates about railway safety. On X, people are posting angrily, demanding answers from Southern Railway and the state government. “How many more kids have to die before we fix these dangerous crossings?” one popular post said. Others are calling for stricter rules, mandatory gatekeepers, and automatic barriers.
Who’s at Fault?
The investigation is still ongoing, but several groups are being looked at:
- Railway Authorities: Southern Railway is being criticized for not having a gatekeeper or automatic barriers at the crossing. Many say budget issues and delays have left rural crossings unsafe.
- Gatekeeper: If the gatekeeper was absent or careless, they could face legal consequences. However, some villagers say gatekeepers are overworked and underpaid, pointing to bigger problems in the railway system.
- Van Driver: Some witnesses say the driver tried to cross the tracks even after hearing the train’s horn. Others argue that poor visibility and missing warning signs at the crossing may have caused the mistake.
- State Government: Critics say the Tamil Nadu government hasn’t worked closely enough with railways to fix dangerous crossings near schools. Better oversight could have prevented this tragedy.
What Needs to Happen Next?
The Cuddalore accident highlights the urgent need for better railway safety. Experts suggest the following steps:
- Remove Unmanned Crossings: Speed up efforts to install automatic gates and warning systems, especially near schools.
- Hire and Train Staff: Make sure there are enough gatekeepers with proper training and fair pay.
- Raise Awareness: Start campaigns to teach drivers and communities about railway crossing safety.
- Work Together: The state government and Indian Railways should team up to identify and fix high-risk crossings.
As Sembankuppam mourns the loss of its young students, the country is watching closely. Will this tragedy finally push for real changes to make India’s railways safer, or will it be another forgotten accident? The families of the victims deserve more than just condolences—they deserve answers and action.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 5:11 pm by K Nikhil | Published by: K Nikhil on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 5:11 pm | News Categories: India News
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