At least two children killed as passenger train rams into school van at Semmankuppam

At least two school children were killed, and three other people were hit by a school minibus carrying them on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 by a passenger train at a manned gate near Semmankuppam near Cuddalore Sipcot.

Police added that death may increase, and that the driver of the school minibus is among the wounded running to the Cuddalore Government General Hospital.

When the minibus belonging to a private CBSE school was shot by 56813 Villpuram-Mayiaduthurai passenger train, he tried to cross the railway level between Cuddalore and Alappakkam (a non-storey gate).

Four students were injured and adopted to Cuddalore State Hospital.

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A railway aid train with medical aid minibus was sent to the region. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and branch officials are moving on the spot.

Preliminary investigations, Gate Keeper’ın continued to close the door, the minibus driver insisted on allowing the minibus to pass the door should not be allowed.

Security, Operations and Engineering Branch of the Committee of Civil Servants is investigating the incident.

However, eyewitnesses accounts, the door goalkeeper closed and said he could not close the door. The angry crowd threw the door guard after the incident.