A tragic accident occurred in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, on Tuesday morning when a school bus was struck by a train at a railway crossing in Semmankuppam. Initial reports indicate that several children are feared dead following the collision. The incident has prompted immediate responses from rescue teams and local authorities, with investigations underway to determine the cause.

The accident took place approximately 25 km from Cuddalore, as the school bus was attempting to cross a railway track. According to initial reports, the bus was struck by an oncoming train while traversing the tracks. The impact of the collision was severe, resulting in significant damage to the school bus. Visuals from the scene show the bus in a severely damaged state.

Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, and the injured were promptly transported to Cuddalore Government Hospital for medical attention. While the exact number of casualties is still being confirmed, reports indicate that at least two students have died. Three people were killed after a train rammed into the school bus. At least six people were injured. The injured include the school van driver.

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident. Some reports suggest that the railway gate was not closed when the train passed through the crossing. There are also allegations that locals found the gatekeeper asleep after the accident. However, Southern Railway stated that a preliminary inquiry reveals that the gatekeeper was in the process of closing the gate, but the van driver insisted on proceeding. Southern Railway officials stated that this action should not have been permitted.

Following the accident, train services between Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai were disrupted. Southern Railway has dispatched a railway relief train with a medical relief van to the site. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and Branch Officers are also en route to the location.

Cuddalore District Collector Sibi Adithya Senthil Kumar and Superintendent of Police S. Jeyakumar have arrived at the scene to investigate the incident. Local residents have alleged that the gatekeeper's negligence in leaving the gates open was the primary cause of the accident, suggesting that the driver attempted to cross the tracks because the gates were open.

The incident has sparked concerns regarding safety measures at railway crossings, particularly those that are unmanned. There have been renewed calls for stricter regulations and upgrades to infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies in the future.