Three people, including two school students, were killed after a passenger train collided with a school van at a level crossing near Karna Subarna railway station in West Bengal's Murshidabad district on Friday morning. The accident occurred at around 7 a.m. when the van was carrying students to school. Several injured students were rushed to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital for treatment, while railway authorities launched an investigation into the incident.

According to Eastern Railway officials, the school van was crossing the railway tracks at a level crossing near Karna Subarna station, approximately 48 kilometres from Katwa, when it was struck by a local passenger train. Preliminary information indicates that the level crossing gate was open at the time of the collision. The impact caused severe damage to the vehicle, resulting in the deaths of the van driver and two students, while other occupants sustained injuries.

Following the accident, railway authorities constituted a 10-member inquiry committee led by the Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) to determine the exact cause of the collision. Investigators reached the site soon after the incident and began examining the circumstances surrounding the operation of the level crossing, including whether established safety procedures were followed before the train passed through the section.

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As an immediate administrative measure, the Railways suspended two employees—a gateman and a supervisor—on charges of negligence pending the outcome of the inquiry. Railway officials said disciplinary proceedings would continue and assured that strict action would be taken against any individual found responsible for lapses that may have contributed to the accident.

Emergency response teams, local police and railway personnel quickly arrived at the scene to carry out rescue operations and assist the injured. The affected students were transported to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment. Authorities are also coordinating with the victims' families while monitoring the condition of those injured in the collision.

The tragic incident has once again raised concerns over safety at level crossings and the importance of strict adherence to railway operating procedures. The findings of the inquiry committee are expected to determine the sequence of events that led to the accident and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Railway officials have stated that further action will be based on the outcome of the investigation.

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