A tragic railway accident in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district claimed the lives of three school students and a cyclist after a passenger train hit a school van at a railway crossing on Friday morning. The accident occurred at the Gobindpur railway gate near Karnasubarna station, leaving the local community shocked and devastated.
Four others, including the van driver and schoolchildren, suffered serious injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment.
School Van Hit by Nimtita-Katwa Local Train
According to police officials and eyewitnesses, the accident occurred shortly after the Howrah-bound Nabadwip Dham Express crossed the railway gate.
Railway officials had closed the gate to allow the express train to pass. However, the gate reportedly reopened soon after, even though another train, the Nimtita-Katwa local passenger train, was approaching on the same track.
The school van driver saw the open gate and attempted to cross the tracks. A cyclist also entered the crossing at the same time. Moments later, the approaching passenger train hit the van and the cyclist.
Powerful Collision Traps Children Inside Van
The train struck the school van with tremendous force and pushed it away from the tracks. The collision badly damaged the vehicle and trapped the children inside.
Hearing screams and the sound of the crash, nearby residents immediately rushed to the crossing. They began rescue efforts and helped the injured before police and emergency teams reached the spot.
Police and Locals Launch Rescue Operation
Police from Berhampore Police Station joined local residents in rescuing the victims. Authorities transported the injured, including three school students and the van driver, to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital.
Doctors are treating the injured, while authorities continue to monitor their condition.
Three Students and Cyclist Die in Accident
The accident claimed the lives of three students from Gobindpur village and 50-year-old cyclist Jamshed Sheikh.
Authorities sent the bodies for post-mortem examinations as part of the investigation into the incident.
Four-Member Railway Team Begins Inquiry
Following the accident, railway authorities launched a high-level inquiry to establish exactly what happened at the crossing.
A four-member team of senior railway officials reached the accident site to examine possible lapses in railway crossing operations, signalling and safety procedures.
The team is expected to question eyewitnesses, examine railway records and review operational procedures at the crossing.
Investigation to Examine Railway Gate Operations
Investigators will specifically examine whether officials opened the crossing gate before ensuring that the track was safe for road traffic.
The inquiry will also determine whether railway staff followed all required signalling and safety procedures before reopening the gate.
Indian Railways Yet to Issue Official Statement
At the time of writing, the Indian Railways had not issued an official statement on the accident.
Local authorities have assured residents that officials will conduct a detailed investigation. If the inquiry establishes negligence, authorities could take action against those responsible.
Accident Raises Fresh Railway Safety Concerns
The Murshidabad tragedy has once again raised concerns about safety at railway crossings, particularly those used regularly by school vehicles, cyclists and local commuters.
Railway safety experts have repeatedly stressed the need for strict gate management, reliable signalling systems and greater public awareness around railway crossings.
Gobindpur Community Mourns Loss
News of the accident spread quickly across Gobindpur, leaving families and residents in deep grief. The deaths of the three schoolchildren have caused particular anguish in the community.
The railway inquiry will now determine the exact circumstances behind the collision and identify measures that could help prevent similar accidents in the future.