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Three children studying in class 6 were killed and 3 more injured in a tragic collision between a school van and a train at a railway crossing near Semmankuppam in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district on the morning of July 8, 2025.
The van, belonging to Krishnaswamy School, was carrying students when it was hit by the Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai Express while attempting to cross the railway line at Semmankuppam. Preliminary investigations by the railways and police suggest that the gatekeeper was asleep and did not close the gate.
The impact of the collision destroyed the van and left several children seriously injured. Locals in the area immediately initiated rescue efforts before police and emergency services arrived. The injured students were rushed to the Cuddalore Government Hospital for treatment.
Cuddalore Collector Sibi Adithya Senthil Kumar and Superintendent of Police Jayakumar visited the accident site to carry out relief and rescue measures.
Locals from the area gathered at the accident site and tried to attack the gatekeeper. The police prevented the locals and later the villagers staged a protest, demanding answers from the railway authorities.
Railway services have been halted on the route.