Chennai, 8 July (H.S.): A devastating train accident occurred in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore district on Tuesday morning, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including two children, and injuring several others. The incident took place when a school van carrying students was hit by the Villupuram-Mayiladuthurai Express train at an unmanned level crossing gate near Semmankuppam.
According to district administration, this tragic accident occurred on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at approximately 7:45 am, when a passenger train collided with a school van at a manned level crossing in Semmankuppam, near Cuddalore. The incident, involving the Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai passenger train (Train No. 56813), resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including two children and a bystander.
The impact was severe, and the van was badly damaged. According to reports, the van driver and six students were injured, with some in critical condition. The injured students were rushed to the Cuddalore Government Hospital, where their conditions are being monitored. The local authorities have confirmed that two children, identified as Niwas (12) and D. Charumathi (16), died in the accident, while a 55-year-old man named Annadurai died after coming into contact with a snapped electrical cable.
The accident has raised concerns over safety lapses in railway operations. The Southern Railway has initiated an investigation into the incident, with a committee of officers probing the exact cause of the collision. Authorities have assured that appropriate action will be taken once the investigation findings are complete.
The Divisional Railway Manager and branch officers have reached the accident site, and a railway relief train with a medical relief van has been dispatched. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on X handle( https://x.com/mkstalin/status/1942445374150697299) has announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary