3 students killed, 4 critical after train collides with school van in Murshidabad
Times of India | 17 July 2026
MURSHIDABAD: Four people, including three school students and a local resident, died after a local train hit a school vehicle at around on Friday between Karnasubarna station and the Gobindapur rail gate on the Azimganj–Katwa section in Murshidabad district.
The incident occurred around 7am.
Four other students and the vehicle driver were hospitalised in critical condition.
According to police and local residents, the Nimtita–Katwa local train was travelling on the down line when it collided with the school vehicle at an open level crossing.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the Gobindapur rail gate remained open after the Howrah-bound Nabadwip Express passed on the up line.
The school vehicle, carrying students from a private school, and a cyclist attempted to cross the tracks because the gate was open.
The incoming train struck the vehicle, causing extensive damage.
Following the collision, local residents pulled the victims from the vehicle.
The injured were initially taken to Karnasubarna Block Hospital before those in critical condition were shifted to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital in Berhampore.
Residents expressed anger at the railway authorities, alleging that the gateman acted irresponsibly and negligently.
A large police contingent reached the spot, and both the police and railway authorities have launched separate investigations.
Eastern Railway has dispatched a special team to the site to determine the cause of the accident, including investigating why the gateman was absent from his post or where exactly he was at the time of the collision.