Murshidabad: A tragic incident has come to light from West Bengal's Murshidabad. Three people, including two students, have reportedly been killed and five are said to be seriously injured after a passenger train collided with a school van at a level crossing. The accident took place on Friday morning.
Students rushed to hospital
The incident reportedly took place at 7 am, when students were headed to school. The injured students have been admitted to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital.
Eyewitnesses describe collision
The railway crossing was open and, as the school van was crossing it, an incoming train hit it, NDTV reported, citing eyewitnesses. Visuals from the ground showed the mangled remains of the van on the tracks.
Senior police and railway authorities have reached the accident site and a probe has been launched into the major mishap, including allegations of negligence on the part of the railway gateman, NDTV reported.
Train services in the Azimganj-Katwa section of Eastern Railway's Howrah division were affected after the accident, the official said.
Reacting to the tragedy Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said "Any loss of life is tragic, but the death of children is even more heartbreaking. A thorough inquiry is necessary, and I believe the Railways will conduct a separate investigation."
