Daijiworld Media Network – Murshidabad

Murshidabad, Jul 17: A tragic accident in West Bengal's Murshidabad district claimed the lives of three people, including two schoolchildren, after a train collided with a school van at a railway level crossing on Friday morning.

The accident occurred around 7 am near the Gobindapur rail gate close to Karna Subarna railway station, when the van carrying students to school attempted to cross the railway tracks and was hit by a local train.

According to railway officials, the impact left the school van completely damaged. A cyclist was also caught in the collision, while several students suffered serious injuries and were shifted to Berhampore Hospital for treatment. Some of the injured children are said to be in critical condition.

Videos from the accident spot showed the extent of the devastation, with the van's windows shattered, the vehicle's body crushed and the roof severely damaged due to the force of the collision.

Eastern Railway officials said the level crossing gate was reportedly open at the time of the accident. A 10-member team has been sent to the spot to investigate the cause of the tragedy.

Train services along the Azimganj-Katwa section of the Eastern Railway's Howrah division were affected following the accident. Railway authorities, along with Railway Police and local police, have begun a detailed probe into the incident.

Expressing sorrow over the deaths, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar termed the incident "heartbreaking" and called for a thorough investigation.

"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," he said.

Further details regarding the victims and the cause of the accident are awaited as the investigation continues.