Cuddalore Train-Bus Accident: What Led To The Horrific Collision? Eyewitnesses Blame Gatekeeper

A horrific collision between a passenger train and a private school van near Semmankuppam in Cuddalore district has resulted in the deaths of three students and sparked widespread outrage over alleged negligence by the railway gatekeeper.

Who Should Be Blamed For The Accident?

The incident, which occurred this morning, has led to the arrest of gatekeeper Pankaj Sharma, who stands accused of failing to close the railway gate as the train approached.

The ill-fated private school van, carrying four students and the driver, was attempting to cross the railway tracks at an unmanned level crossing near Chemmanguppam when it was struck by a train en route to Chidambaram. Initial reports indicate the school van was thrown approximately 50 meters and overturned, its roof shattering into pieces upon impact. While two fatalities were reported early on, it was later confirmed that another student tragically lost his life in the accident. The remaining students and the van driver sustained injuries.

Allegations of Gatekeeper's Negligence Surface

Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations strongly point to the negligence of the railway gatekeeper as the primary cause of this devastating incident. Residents claim that the gatekeeper, identified as Pankaj Sharma from Uttar Pradesh, had a history of dereliction of duty, frequently failing to close the gate for approaching trains and often sleeping on the job.

"The school van usually passes between 7:30 and 7:35 AM in Semmangup. If the gate is always closed on time, the school van would wait," stated a local eyewitness. "Today the railway gate was not closed. So when the school van passed, the train had already arrived. The school van was dragged for about half a kilometer. When we saw the gatekeeper at that time, he was sleeping."

Another resident corroborated these claims, stating, "They close the gate at night and sleep. It is not the fault of the school van driver; they don't open it until dawn. Sometimes they come to have tea without opening the gate. Every time we go to the gatekeeper and advise him."

Contrary to initial suggestions from Southern Railway that the school van driver urged the gatekeeper not to close the gate, eyewitnesses vehemently deny this, asserting that the gate was simply left open. "It is false information that the school van driver crossed the railway gate in a hurry. The school van went because the railway gate was not put up," an eyewitness emphasized.

Public Outcry and Investigation Underway

The tragic incident has sparked immense public outrage, with villagers from surrounding areas gathering at the accident site to express their anger and sorrow. The public's frustration was palpable, with many questioning the safety protocols at the railway crossing and the accountability of railway staff. One eyewitness even claimed that a person attempting to save the sleeping gatekeeper was electrocuted due to live wires at the scene - a detail that requires further investigation.

"Suddenly we heard a loud noise. The school van flew like a bird... So much noise... We could not go near it," recounted an emotional eyewitness.

Pankaj Sharma has been suspended from his duties and subsequently arrested in connection with the accident. Both the local police and the railway department have launched a joint investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision and to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of vigilance and adherence to safety procedures at railway crossings to prevent such devastating tragedies.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has expressed his shock over the incident and announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia.