New Delhi, July 17, 2026

A tragic collision between a passenger train and a school van in West Bengal's Murshidabad on Friday morning claimed three lives, including two students, while leaving several others injured. The incident has once again brought attention to safety measures at railway level crossings, with authorities launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The accident took place around 7 am at the Karnasubarna railway crossing in the Berhampore area when the school van was carrying students to school. According to eyewitnesses, the crossing was open as the vehicle attempted to pass, and the incoming Nimtita-Katwa passenger train struck it. Images from the scene showed the van severely damaged on the railway tracks. The injured students were shifted to Murshidabad Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Local reports, citing eyewitnesses, stated that the crossing gate remained closed until an up-line train had passed and was later reopened. However, they alleged that it was not closed again despite another train approaching on the adjacent track, leading to the collision. The incident has placed the conduct of the railway gateman under scrutiny. Following the accident, the Railways suspended both the gateman and the supervisor who were on duty. "The pool car, carrying the students to school, was crossing the rail lines at the level crossing gate near Karna Subarna station, about 48 km from Katwa, when the local train hit the vehicle," a railway official said.

Senior police and railway officials have reached the accident site, and a formal investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the mishap, including allegations of negligence involving the railway gateman. The findings of the inquiry are expected to clarify the sequence of events and reinforce the need for strict adherence to railway crossing safety protocols.