Train rams into school bus in Tamil Nadu; two students killed, several injured

In a tragic incident, a speeding train rammed into a school bus at a level crossing in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district, leaving at least two students dead.

Several students have been injured in the accident that took place at Sembankuppam on Tuesday morning.

According to reports, the railway gate was not closed when the Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai passenger train was passing, and the bus driver tried to cross the tracks without realising it.

The train dragged the school bus nearly 50 feet along the tracks. Those injured have been admitted to Cuddalore government hospital. 

The Southern Railway said in a statement that a railway relief train with a medical relief van has been dispatched to the site. The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and Branch Officers have also rushed to the spot.

"Preliminary inquiry reveals that while the gatekeeper proceeded to close the gate, the van driver insisted on allowing the van to cross the gate, which should not have been permitted. A committee of officers from Safety, Operations and the Engineering branch are investigating the incident," the railways said.

However, some other reports claimed that the gate keeper was asleep at the time, leaving the gate open when the train was approaching.