Cuddalore Train-Van Collision: Gatekeeper’s Negligence Blamed for Tragic Death of 3 Students

In a heartbreaking incident in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district, a passenger train collided with a school van at an unmanned level crossing in Semmankuppam, killing three students and injuring several others. The crash occurred early in the morning on July 8, 2025, as the van was attempting to cross the tracks near Chemmankuppam.

The van, which was carrying four students and a driver, was hit by a fast-approaching passenger train en route to Chidambaram. The impact was so severe that the van was flung nearly 50 meters and overturned. Two students died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries later at the hospital.

Locals and eyewitnesses claim the railway gatekeeper, Pankaj Sharma, failed to close the crossing gate in time. They allege that the gate was left open, giving the van driver no indication of an incoming train. “He usually sleeps during duty hours and rarely operates the gate correctly,” one eyewitness said. Another added, “The van wasn’t speeding. The gate was open, and there was no signal to stop.”

Although initial reports from Southern Railway suggested the van driver was at fault for rushing across the tracks, multiple eyewitnesses and residents countered the claim, pointing squarely at the gatekeeper’s negligence.

To make matters worse, a local man attempting to help after the collision was reportedly electrocuted due to exposed wires near the gate — highlighting further safety failures in the area.

Following public outrage, Pankaj Sharma was arrested and suspended from duty. Police and railway officials have launched a joint investigation into the incident.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed deep condolences and announced ₹5 lakh ex-gratia relief for the victims’ families.

This tragic incident has renewed calls for urgent safety upgrades and stricter accountability at India’s railway crossings to prevent such avoidable disasters in the future.