Preliminary inquiry reveals that while Gatekeeper proceeded to close the gate, however van driver insisted to allow van to cross: Southern Railway
Southern Railway issued the following statement on the accident today:
Today morning at around 07:45AM, a Van carrying students attempted to cross Railway Level Crossing Gate No. 170 (a non-interlocked manned gate) between Cuddalore and Alappakkam, and was hit by Train No. 56813 Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai passenger.
Tragically, six students have been injured and admitted to the Government Hospital, Cuddalore.
A railway relief train with medical relief van has been dispatched to the site. The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and Branch Officers are proceeding to the spot.
Preliminary inquiry reveals that while Gatekeeper proceeds to close the gate , the van driver insisted to allow the Van to cross the gate which should have not permitted.
Committee of officers from Safety, operation and Engineering branch are investigating the incident.
