A tragic accident was reported from West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on at 7 am on Friday after a train collided with a school pool car at a level crossing near Karnasubarna station. According to local and police sources quoted by The Indian Express, at least five people, including three school students and a cyclist, were killed in the incident.

Four others sustained critical injuries in the accident, which occurred at the Gobindpur level crossing near Karnasubarna railway station.

Describing the incident as “deeply unfortunate”, the Railways said the gateman on duty at the level crossing has been arrested.

Accident at Gobindpur level crossing

The incident took place at the Gobindpur level crossing on the Azimganj-Katwa branch. According to police and eyewitnesses quoted by The Indian Express, the accident occurred shortly after the Howrah-bound Nabadwip Dham Express crossed the Railway crossing. Police said the gate had been closed for the express train but was reopened moments later, despite another passenger train being due on the same track.

Seeing the crossing open, the driver of a school pool van carrying children attempted to cross the tracks. At the same time, a cyclist also tried to pass through. Moments later, the speeding Nimtita-Katwa local train crashed into the van.

The force of the collision mangled the vehicle and hurled it off the tracks, trapping the children inside. Three school students from Gobindpur village and the cyclist, identified as 50-year-old Jamshed Sheikh, were killed on the spot.

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The cries of the children trapped inside the mangled van drew local residents to the spot, who immediately began rescue efforts. Police personnel from Berhampore police station soon arrived and joined the operation.

Three injured students and the van driver, who sustained serious injuries, were rushed to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital for treatment. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination, The Indian Express reported.

Railways announces compensation

Shibram Manjhi, a spokesperson for Eastern Railway, said in a told The Indian Express, “This is a very unfortunate incident in which three have died. The Railways has taken strict action, and the gateman has been arrested. A team of 10 members left for the incident site immediately upon receiving the information. Compensation of Rs 10 lakh has been announced. Treatment of the injured is ongoing.”

Rescue operation and probe underway

Residents rushed to the spot immediately after hearing the loud crash and began rescue efforts before police and other officials arrived. According to local sources, the driver and some students died on the spot. However, authorities are yet to issue an official confirmation on the death toll.

Several injured students were rescued from the wreckage and taken to a nearby hospital before being shifted for further treatment.

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The accident triggered outrage among local residents, who questioned why the level crossing remained open despite the scheduled movement of the train. Many also expressed anger over the alleged negligence of the railway staff responsible for operating the gate.

Train movement on the section was briefly affected following the collision. Police and Railway authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the accident.

FAQs:

Where did the Murshidabad train accident occur?

The accident took place at the Gobindpur level crossing near Karnasubarna station on the Azimganj-Katwa branch.

How many people are feared dead in the Murshidabad train accident?

According to initial local and police inputs, three people, including the driver, are feared dead, though official confirmation is awaited.