On the morning of July 8, 2025, a tragic railway accident occurred near Semmankuppam in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. A Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai passenger train (No. 56813) collided with a school van carrying students from Krishnaswamy Vidyaniketan School at an unmanned level crossing gate (No. 170).
The impact dragged the van for nearly 50 meters, killing three students on the spot — Charumathi (16), Sezhiyan (15), and Nimalesh (12) — and injuring several others, including the van driver and a local pedestrian. A resident named Annadurai was electrocuted due to a snapped high-voltage electric cable caused by the collision.
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While Southern Railway initially claimed the gate was closed, eyewitnesses and students stated it was open at the time of the accident. The gatekeeper was later arrested and suspended on grounds of negligence. A high-level investigation has been launched
The Tamil Nadu government and Southern Railway announced compensation for victims’ families and promised immediate action to improve crossing safety, including plans for a railway underpass that had been pending approval.
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Investigation & troves
Gate status disputed: Southern Railway’s early statement said the gate was shut but the driver insisted on crossing. Later it said the driver pressed to cross while the gate was still being closed
In contrast, survivors and eyewitnesses maintain the gate was open when the van proceeded
The gatekeeper has been suspended and arrested on charges of criminal negligence, and formal disciplinary proceedings are underway
DIGI MERCH STORE PRINT ON DEMAND
Government & compensation
Southern Railway and TN Chief Minister M.K. Stalin have announced ex gratia compensation: ₹5 lakhs to families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakhs to grievously injured, and ₹50,000 for minor injuries
Tamil Nadu government will additionally grant ₹5 lakhs to the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh (serious injuries), ₹50,000 (minor injuries) from CM Relief Fund
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Safety implications
The accident draws attention to the risk at non‑interlocked railway crossings, especially near schools.
Southern Railway noted an underpass had been sanctioned but not yet approved by the District Collector — raising calls for faster infrastructure upgrades
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