Seven children were killed on Monday after a school van collided against a train at an unmanned level crossing in Bhadohi district of Uttar Pradesh. Seven others, including the driver, were grievously injured.
The van carrying the children hit the engine of the Manduadih-Allahabad City Passenger Train between Katka and Madhosingh stations in Bhadohi at 7.35 a.m., a Railway spokesperson said.
The victims were aged between 6 and 14, a police spokesperson said. The driver, identified as Rashid Khan, and six injured children were admitted to nearby hospitals, including the Banaras Hindu University. The children studied at the Tender Heart English school.
Preliminary reports suggested the “accident took place because of the carelessness of the driver,” a government of India statement said.
Local reports said the driver allegedly had earphones on while driving. The guard on duty at the unmanned crossing tried hard to stop the van, however, the driver “ignored the caution” and “carelessly drove the vehicle,” the statement said.
Expressing grief over the accident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh to the families of the victims. Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu also announced Rs. 2 lakh to the victims’ families, Rs. 1 lakh to those injured grievously and Rs. 20,000 to those with minor injuries.
