The gatekeeper, identified as Pankaj Sharma, manning the level crossing gate at Semmankuppam near Cuddalore SIPCOT has been arrested after three schoolchildren were killed and two other sustained serious injuries in a school van-train collision on Tuesday (July 8, 2025). He was suspended for negligence, leading to the accident.

Cuddalore train-school van accident LIVE updates

The van belonging to Krishnaswamy Vidyanikethan, a private CBSE school, was attempting to cross the Railway Level Crossing Gate No. 170, (a non-interlocked manned gate) between Cuddalore and Alappakkam, when it was hit by Train No. 56813 Villupuram-Mayiladuthurai passenger.

Preliminary inquiries revealed that when gatekeeper proceeded to close the gate, the driver wanted him to let the school van pass, which should have not been permitted. A committee of officers from the Safety, Operation, and Engineering branches is investigating the incident.

However, eyewitnesses said the gatekeeper had dozed off and failed to close the gate. An irate crowd allegedly thrashed the gatekeeper, following the incident.

He was detained by the railway and district police personnel and taken for questioning, before being arrested.