Tragedy in Semmankuppam: What Happened?
At least three school students lost their lives and two others were critically injured after a school van was struck by a Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai passenger train (Train No. 56813) at a manned level crossing (Gate No. 170) near Semmankuppam in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district at around 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
The van belonged to Krishnaswamy Vidyanikethan, a private CBSE school, and was attempting to cross the railway gate between Cuddalore and Alappakkam when the incident occurred.
Injured and Deceased Identified
- Deceased Students: Three students have succumbed to injuries. One of them, Chezhiyan (15), was taken to JIPMER, Puducherry, but was declared dead later.
- Injured:
- Vishweshwar (16) – student
- Sankar (47) – school van driver
- Annadurai (55) – local resident who rushed to help and was injured by a snapped overhead power cable
- Vishweshwar (16) – student
All injured are being treated at Cuddalore Government General Hospital.
Negligence Alleged: Gatekeeper Suspended and Arrested
The railway gatekeeper, Pankaj Sharma, has been suspended and arrested. Eyewitnesses claim he had fallen asleep and failed to close the gate in time. An angry mob reportedly assaulted him after the incident.
However, a preliminary inquiry by Southern Railway indicated that while Sharma had started closing the gate, the van driver insisted on crossing, which should not have been permitted.
Compensation Announced
Tamil Nadu Government (CM M.K. Stalin):
- ₹5 lakh to each deceased student’s family (from CM Relief Fund)
- ₹1 lakh for seriously injured
- ₹50,000 for those with minor injuries
Southern Railway:
- ₹5 lakh to kin of deceased
- ₹2.5 lakh to seriously injured
- ₹50,000 for other injured individuals
(To be handed over today)
Official and Political Reactions
Governor R.N. Ravi (via X):
“Deeply pained and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent school children… Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the injured.”
DMK MP Kanimozhi (via X):
“Even after so many accidents, the Centre shows no concern… Only 1,548 km out of 68,584 km railway tracks are equipped with ‘Kavach’ safety system.”
Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami:
“Strongly urge DMK government to ensure treatment for the injured and provide proper compensation.”
TTV Dhinakaran (AMMK):
“Ministry of Railways must take precautionary steps to prevent such accidents in future.”
Pending Safety Measures: Underpass Denied
Southern Railway stated that a fully-funded underpass was already sanctioned at the accident site, but the Cuddalore District Collector has not granted permission for over a year.
Investigation Underway
A relief train with a medical van was dispatched to the site. A committee of officers from Safety, Operations, and Engineering branches has been formed to probe the incident.