At least two children killed as train rams into school van at Semmankuppam

At least two school children were killed and three others sustained serious injuries after a school van carrying them was rammed by a passenger train at a manned gate at Semmankuppam near Cuddalore SIPCOT on Tuesday (July 8, 2025).

The death could increase, police said, adding that the driver of the school van was among the injured who were rushed to the Cuddalore Government General Hospital.

The van belonging to a private CBSE school attempted to cross the Railway Level Crossing Gate No. 170, (a non-interlocked manned gate) between Cuddalore and Alappakkam, when it was hit by Train No. 56813 Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai passenger.

Four students have been injured and admitted to the Government Hospital, Cuddalore.

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A railway relief train with medical relief van has been dispatched to the site. The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and Branch Officers are proceeding to the spot.

Preliminary inquiries revealed that while Gate keeper proceeded to close the gate , the van driver insisted to allow the Van to cross the gate which should have not been permitted.

Committee of officers from Safety, operation and Engineering branch are investigating the incident.

However, eyewitnesses accounts said the gate keeper had dozed off and failed to close the gate. The irate crowd also thrashed the gatekeeper following the incident.