West Bengal train school van collision in Murshidabad leaves three dead as multiple students sustain injuries; probe into railway crossing operation begins
A passenger train collided with a school van at a railway level crossing near Karnasubarna station in West Bengal's Murshidabad district on Friday morning, leaving three people dead, including two students. Several children were injured and admitted to Murshidabad Medical College Hospital. Railway and police authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, including allegations regarding the functioning of the railway crossing gate.
Murshidabad: Three people, including two school students, lost their lives after a passenger train collided with a private school van at a railway level crossing in West Bengal's Murshidabad district on Friday morning. Several other students sustained injuries in the accident and are undergoing treatment at Murshidabad Medical College Hospital.
The accident occurred at around 7 am near the Karnasubarna railway crossing between Karnasubarna and Govindpur stations in the Berhampore area. According to railway officials, the Nimtita-Katwa passenger train struck the school van while it was crossing the tracks.
The impact crushed the vehicle completely, leaving its remains scattered across the railway tracks. Visuals from the accident site showed the damaged school van, while local residents and emergency teams rushed to rescue the injured passengers.
West Bengal Train School Van Collision Claims Three Lives
Initial reports stated that three schoolchildren died at the scene. Later, officials confirmed that the deceased included two students and another individual travelling in the vehicle. Several injured students were shifted to Murshidabad Medical College Hospital, where some were reported to be in serious condition.
Medical teams began treatment immediately after the injured children were brought to the hospital. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased or confirmed the exact number of injured students.
"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," a railway official said.
Murshidabad Railway Crossing Under Investigation
Eyewitnesses claimed the railway crossing gate was open when the school van entered the tracks. According to local accounts, the gate had initially remained closed until an up-line train passed. However, they alleged it was opened afterward and not closed again despite another train approaching on the adjacent track.
Several residents alleged that the crossing remained unattended at the time of the accident and questioned whether the railway crossing was being operated according to safety procedures.
"The gate was open when the train arrived, and there was no gateman present," local residents alleged while demanding accountability.
Railway authorities have not officially confirmed these claims. Officials stated that all aspects of the crossing's operation will be examined as part of the investigation.
Police and Railway Officials Begin Probe
Senior police officers and railway authorities reached the accident site shortly after the collision. A formal investigation has been initiated to determine the sequence of events leading to the accident.
The inquiry will also examine allegations of negligence involving the operation of the railway level crossing and whether established safety protocols were followed before the passenger train approached.
Officials are expected to collect statements from eyewitnesses, railway personnel, and other relevant witnesses while reviewing operational records related to the crossing.
Rescue personnel cleared the damaged vehicle from the tracks after completing emergency operations, while railway authorities continued inspection of the site.
The investigation remains underway, and officials are expected to release further information after examining evidence from the accident scene and reviewing operational procedures at the level crossing.
