2 kids among 5 killed as train hits car at crossing in Bengal
Kolkata, July 18 -- Five people including four school children were killed after a passenger train hit a pool-car and a cyclist at a manned level crossing in West Bengal's Murshidabad districts on Friday morning.
"It is very tragic incident and painful for all of us. Four school children and a cyclist have been killed. Two children are undergoing treatment. The railway gateman has been arrested. Preliminary probe suggests that he was responsible for the incident," said chief minister of West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari.
The incident took place around 6.40 am at a level crossing between Khagraghat Road and Karnasubarna railway stations near Berhampore. "The gateman incorrectly opened the level crossing gate to allow some vehicles through. But suddenly the Nimtita - Katwa passenger train, which was also scheduled to cross that spot around the same time, came and hit the SUV," said a railway official.
Seven children were in the SUV, police said. While two children and a cyclist died on the spot, two more children died in the hospital later. Three other kids and the driver were rushed to the hospital. One child was released after treatment while two kids and the driver are under treatment. All children were below 10, police said.
While gateman Anup Karmakar, 37, was arrested, permanent way inspector Kaushik Mal was suspended."This is completely a human error. This is not an accident. I have asked police to check whether gateman was intoxicated," said Adhikari.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, railway minister, announced ex-gratia of Rs.10 lakh for the family members of each of the deceased....
To read the full article or to get the complete feed from this publication, please
Contact Us.