Overview

• The gatekeeper at Level Crossing Gate No. 170 was suspended and arrested on criminal negligence charges after preliminary reports indicated he failed to close the gate.
• At least two students were killed and three others critically injured when the Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai Express struck the Krishnaswamy School van around 7:40 AM.
• A railway relief train with medical staff was dispatched and injured pupils remain under treatment at Cuddalore Government Hospital, with ex-gratia payments ordered for victims’ families.
• Eyewitnesses and officials offer conflicting accounts over whether the gate was open or closed at impact, prompting enquiries by the safety, operations and engineering branches.
• Local residents staged protests at the site and services on the Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai route remain halted as restoration and safety assurance work continues.