State Bureau, West Bengal: In a tragic rail accident in West Bengal's Murshidabad district on Friday morning, a passenger train collided with a school vehicle at a level crossing. Three students died on the spot, while five others sustained serious injuries. The accident took place around 7 am near Karna Subarna railway station in the Eastern Railway network.
The accident occurred at a level crossing between Karnasubarna and Gobindapur railway stations under the jurisdiction of the Berhampore police station in Murshidabad district.
"The pool car, carrying the students to school, was crossing the rail lines at the level crossing gate near Karna Subarna station, about 48 km from Katwa, when the local train hit the vehicle," an Eastern Railway official told PTI.
As per railway officials, the level crossing gate was reported to be open when the accident occurred. A 10-member team has been sent to the accident site to investigate the cause of the crash, the official told PTI.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumder said, "Any loss of life is tragic, but the death of children is even more heartbreaking. A thorough inquiry is necessary, and I believe the Railways will conduct a separate investigation.
According to eyewitnesses, a private school vehicle carrying students attempted to cross the level crossing after the railway gate was opened. It was then struck by the oncoming Nimtita-Katwa passenger train. The impact was so severe that the vehicle was completely destroyed. Reports indicate that eight people, including the driver, were on board.
Train services on the Azimganj-Katwa section of Eastern Railway's Howrah division were disrupted following the incident.
According to locals, the gate stayed shut until an up-line train passed and was then opened. However, it was not closed again as another train approached on the adjacent track, which they claim caused the accident. The incident has put the railway gateman’s conduct under scrutiny.
Residents rushed to the scene and launched rescue operations, pulling the trapped students from the vehicle. The injured were first taken to Karnosubarna Block Hospital, after which the critically injured students were referred to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital for advanced treatment.
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Senior police and railway officials have reached the accident site to oversee the situation. A formal investigation has been launched into the accident, including allegations of negligence on the part of the railway gateman.