Two students killed, many injured as train rams school van

KOLKATA: Two students were killed when a train hit a school van while crossing the tracks Friday morning in West Bengal's Murshidabad. Reports say several students sustained injuries.

The accident happened at the Karnasubarna railway crossing around 7 am. The Nimtita-Katwa passenger train hit the school van while it was crossing the tracks. The van was completely damaged due to the impact of the accident. The injured students were immediately admitted to the Murshidabad Medical College Hospital. Initial information is that the condition of some of them is critical.

The railway gate was initially closed to allow the train to pass through Murshidabad station. As soon as the train passed, the gate opened and vehicles started crossing the tracks. At this time, a local train coming from another track hit the school van. The accident occurred because the gate was not closed after realizing the train was coming. Eyewitnesses allege negligence on the part of the gatekeeper. In addition to investigating these matters, officials are also investigating whether a malfunction in the signalling system led to the accident.