West Bengal Train-School Van Collision in Murshidabad Kills 3, Several Children Injured

Three people, including two schoolchildren, lost their lives after a school van was hit by a local train at an open railway level crossing near Karna Subarna railway station in West Bengal's Murshidabad district on Friday morning.

The collision, which occurred at around 7 am, left several other children seriously injured and disrupted train services on the Azimganj–Katwa section of the Eastern Railway.

School Van Hit While Crossing Tracks

According to railway officials, the school van, a Tata Sumo carrying 10 children, was crossing the railway tracks near the Gobindapur rail gate when it was struck by an oncoming local train.

Officials said the level-crossing gate was reportedly open at the time of the accident. A cyclist was also caught in the collision.

The impact severely damaged the vehicle, with its windows shattered, roof torn apart and body crushed.

Three Killed, Several Hospitalised

The accident claimed the lives of:

• Two schoolchildren
• One other person

Several children sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

According to officials:

• Three children and the van driver were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital.
• Other injured children are also receiving treatment at the same hospital.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.

Investigation Launched

The Railway Police and local police have begun investigating the incident.

Railway authorities have also deployed a 10-member investigation team to determine the exact cause of the accident and examine whether safety protocols were followed at the level crossing.

Locals Protest, Allege Negligence

Following the tragedy, local residents staged protests near the accident site, alleging negligence by railway authorities.

Some residents claimed the gatekeeper may have been under the influence of alcohol when the accident occurred. However, officials have not confirmed these allegations, and they remain under investigation.

Train Services Disrupted

The accident temporarily affected train operations on the Azimganj–Katwa section of the Eastern Railway's Howrah Division.

Railway officials worked to restore normal services while the investigation and rescue operations continued.

Union Minister Calls for Thorough Probe

Reacting to the incident, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar described the deaths of the children as "heartbreaking" and called for a comprehensive investigation.

He said that every loss of life is tragic and expressed confidence that the Railways would conduct a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Key Highlights

• Three people, including two schoolchildren, were killed in a train-school van collision in Murshidabad.
• The accident occurred near Karna Subarna railway station at an open level crossing.
• Several children were injured, with some admitted to the ICU.
• Railway authorities have formed a 10-member investigation team.
• Train services on the Azimganj–Katwa section were temporarily disrupted.

FAQs

Where did the train-school van accident occur?

The accident took place near Karna Subarna railway station at the Gobindapur level crossing in Murshidabad district, West Bengal.

How many people died in the accident?

Three people, including two schoolchildren, were killed in the collision.

How many children were in the school van?

The school van was carrying 10 children when it was struck by the train.

What caused the accident?

Railway officials said the level-crossing gate was reportedly open when the van attempted to cross the tracks. The exact cause is under investigation.

Has an investigation been ordered?

Yes. Railway authorities have constituted a 10-member team, while the Railway Police and local police are also investigating the incident.