Three students were killed and several others injured after a train collided with a school van at a railway level crossing in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on Friday morning.
The accident took place around 7 am at the Karnasubarna railway crossing in Berhampore. The injured children were taken to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, where several are reported to be in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could increase.
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School van struck while crossing railway tracks
According to local sources, the students were travelling to school when the van attempted to cross the railway tracks. The crossing was reportedly open at the time.
A train then struck the vehicle with great force. The impact spun the van around, killing three students on the spot.
Rescue teams shifted the injured children to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
Hospital sources said the condition of several injured students remains critical.
Sukanta Majumdar calls for inquiry
Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region Sukanta Majumdar expressed grief over the deaths and sought a detailed investigation into the incident.
“Any loss of life is tragic, but the death of children is even more heartbreaking. A thorough inquiry is necessary, and I believe the Railways will conduct a separate investigation,” he said.
Majumdar said accountability must be fixed and stressed the need to establish the circumstances that led to the fatal collision at the railway level crossing.