Train-School Van Crash Kills 5 in Murshidabad, Gateman Arrested
Train-School Van Crash Kills 5 in Murshidabad, Gateman Arrested
Tragedy strikes West Bengal as a train collides with a school van in Murshidabad, leaving at least 5 dead, including children. A gateman has been arrested, sparking calls for a thorough investigation. Heartbreaking detai
A horrific tragedy unfolded in West Bengal's Murshidabad district on Friday, July 17, 2026, when a train collided with a school van, claiming the lives of at least five people, including several children. The devastating accident, which occurred near the Karna Subarna railway station in Behrampur, has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting widespread grief and questions about railway safety.
Initial reports indicate that the school van was attempting to cross an unprotected level crossing when it was struck by an oncoming train. Among the five confirmed fatalities, two minors died on the spot, along with one local man who was also hit by the train. Two more students succumbed to their injuries after being rushed to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital. The driver of the school van is currently fighting for his life, having sustained critical injuries. Four other individuals are also in critical condition at the hospital, bringing the total number of people in the car to eight, plus the local man.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari swiftly responded to the incident, offering his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and assuring a comprehensive investigation into the matter. He also pledged that those undergoing treatment would receive the best possible medical care. The incident has led to the arrest of the railway gateman, who has been taken for a medical examination to determine if he was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
Questions are now being raised about potential systemic failures. A family member of an injured person recounted how the gateman had reportedly opened the gates after one train passed, only for another to arrive at high speed. This raises concerns about coordination and safety protocols at level crossings. A 10-member team from the Railways arrived at the scene to assist with the investigation. The accident underscores a concerning trend, with data revealing 200 major railway accidents and 351 fatalities in the past five years across the country. As the community mourns, the call for accountability and improved railway safety measures grows louder.
#MurshidabadTrainAccident #RailSafety #SchoolVanCrash #WestBengalTragedy
