Kolkata, July 17: A tragic incident occurred in the Karanasubarna area of Murshidabad district, West Bengal, on Friday. Initial investigations by the police and railway department revealed that negligence on the part of a gatekeeper was the primary cause of the accident. A train collided with a school van at a railway crossing, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including three school children. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expressed his sorrow over the incident.
Suvendu Adhikari took to X to share his grief, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic train accident in Murshidabad this morning. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the young students who lost their lives, especially their parents. No words can ease such profound sorrow, and the entire state stands with the affected families during this difficult time. I have instructed the administration to provide all possible assistance to the injured and the impacted families. Minister Gauri Shankar Ghosh has already visited the hospital and is monitoring the situation. The District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police have been on-site since morning, personally overseeing relief efforts.”
He further added, “We are ensuring that those receiving treatment have access to the best medical facilities. Health Minister Dr. Sharadwat Mukherjee is personally ensuring that the injured receive the best care at the medical college. Negligence will not be tolerated. The state police have already arrested the railway gatekeeper. A thorough investigation into the causes of this incident will be conducted, and I assure the people of West Bengal that strict action will be taken against those found guilty.”
Sources indicated that the gatekeeper was under the influence of alcohol and failed to perform his duty of closing the railway gate, despite being informed that the Nimtita-Katwa local train was approaching rapidly.
Due to the gate being open, the driver of the school van did not notice the oncoming train and attempted to cross the railway line. The train collided with the school van, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including three school children.
The railway authorities suspended the gatekeeper immediately for serious negligence in duty, and he was later arrested by the police.
Local residents have alleged that multiple complaints had been made to railway officials regarding the gatekeeper’s habitual drunkenness during duty hours.
Following the arrest, a local resident told the media, “This has happened before when he forgot to open the railway gate after a train passed, causing significant traffic jams on both sides. Many feared that if he forgot to close the gate, an accident could occur. This morning, our fears were realized, and an accident did happen.”
At the time of his arrest, the gatekeeper was clearly inebriated. Three school children died on the spot, while four others remain in serious condition at Baharampur Medical College and Hospital.
Leave a Comment