CUDDALORE: A student who miraculously survived Tuesday’s horrific rail accident near Cuddalore has blamed the gatekeeper’s negligence for the crash that killed three schoolchildren, including his younger brother. The incident occurred at the unmanned level crossing near Semmamkuppam around 7:30 am, when a speeding train rammed into a school van carrying students.
The survivor, V Viswesh, who sustained a sprain in his left shoulder, is currently being treated at the Cuddalore Government General Hospital. Recounting the traumatic moment, he said the railway crossing gate was wide open when their van approached, and the gatekeeper, identified as Pankaj Sharma, remained inside his cabin.
“We Thought the Train Had Already Passed”
“As usual, we were on our way to school. My schoolmate, his elder sister, my younger brother, and I were in the van. Every day, we pass that crossing around the same time, and the gate is typically closed if a train is due,” Viswesh said from his hospital bed. “But today, the gate was open. We assumed the train had already passed.”
According to him, there was no audible horn from the approaching train. Trusting the open gate as a sign of safety, the driver continued to cross — only for the van to be hit from behind seconds later.
“I found myself lying on the ground near the tracks. I hadn’t lost consciousness, and I clearly saw the gatekeeper inside his cabin after the collision,” he recalled, his voice shaking.
Villagers Demand Accountability
Locals have also come out in strong condemnation of the railway staff’s handling of the crossing. Many suspect gross negligence on the part of the gatekeeper.
“We believe the gatekeeper may have fallen asleep after drinking or consuming some intoxicant,” alleged S Gunasekaran, 73, a resident living barely 100 metres from the crossing.
Another villager, P Venkatesan, 43, pointed out that the same crossing gate was reportedly open even when a previous train had passed through earlier that day — indicating a possible pattern of inattention or system failure.
P Padmavathy, a local woman who was among the first to reach the accident site, said the sound of the impact was deafening. “Initially, I thought it was a street fight or clash in the village. But when we reached, only the driver and one student were conscious. The others weren’t moving.”
Growing Anger and Grief
The deaths of three students — two on the spot and one later at the hospital — have sent shockwaves through the community. Families, residents, and local leaders are now demanding a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible.
Authorities are yet to officially comment on the gatekeeper’s condition or whether he will face disciplinary action. However, an internal probe has been initiated, and preliminary findings are expected soon.
As the village mourns its young lives lost, residents are united in one demand: greater safety and accountability at railway crossings — before another tragedy strikes.
