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A heartbreaking accident shook Semmankuppam in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, on Tuesday morning. A speeding train crashed into a school bus at a railway crossing, leaving two young students dead and others injured. Families, villagers, and authorities are all dealing with the fallout from this tragedy, which has left the community in shock. Here’s what happened, based on the details shared.
The Collision at Semmankuppam
At 7:45 a.m., a private school bus carrying four students tried to cross Railway Level Crossing Gate No. 170. The bus, linked to a CBSE school, was hit by Train No. 56813, traveling from Villupuram to Mayiladuthurai. The impact was devastating. The train dragged the bus over 50 meters, completely wrecking it. Visuals from the scene showed the crumpled vehicle, a painful reminder of the crash’s force.
Two students, Charumathi, 15, and Venkatesh, 10, lost their lives instantly. Additionally, two other students and the bus driver, Sankar, 45, were injured. Villagers rushed to the scene before rescue teams arrived. They pulled the injured from the wreckage and ensured they reached Cuddalore Government General Hospital for treatment.
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Conflicting Stories at the Crossing
The railway crossing, a non-interlocked gate between Cuddalore and Alappakkam, became the center of blame. Villagers pointed fingers at the gatekeeper, Pankaj Sharma, claiming he was asleep and failed to close the gate. Some even attacked Sharma in anger. However, Sharma insisted the bus driver pressured him to keep the gate open, allowing the vehicle to cross unsafely. Southern Railway suspended Sharma and launched an inquiry to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Cuddalore SP S. Jeyakumar stressed that only a detailed investigation would reveal the real cause.
Community and Official Response
The accident sparked immediate action. A railway relief train with a medical van arrived to assist at the site. Authorities, including the Railway Police and State Police, began investigating. A committee from Southern Railway’s Safety, Operations, and Engineering branches is also looking into the incident. For now, the exact number of deaths remains unconfirmed, though police fear the toll could rise.
MK Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, conveyed his profound sadness. He announced financial aid from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund: Rs. 5 lakh for each deceased student’s family, Rs. 1 lakh for those severely injured, and Rs. 50,000 for minor injuries. Similarly, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the Leader of Opposition, shared condolences on social media. He urged the DMK government to ensure proper treatment for the injured and provide fair compensation to the victims’ families.
A Community in Mourning
Videos from news agencies captured the chaos at Semmankuppam. Locals gathered near the wrecked bus, watching as law enforcement and railway officials worked to restore order. The sight of the damaged vehicle and the loss of young lives left everyone shaken. This tragedy has raised questions about safety at railway crossings and the need for stricter measures.
As investigations continue, the people of Cuddalore mourn the loss of Charumathi and Venkatesh. The injured students and driver face a long recovery, supported by their community and leaders. This accident serves as a stark reminder to prioritize safety and vigilance to prevent such heartbreak in the future.