KOLKATTA, JULY 17, 2026: Three people died in an incident in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on Friday morning after a train hit a school van and a bicycle at a level crossing near Karnasubarna station. The deceased include two school children travelling in the van and an elderly cyclist.
The incident occurred at around 6.41 am at Level Crossing Gate No. 24A/2 in the Katwa–Azimganj section when Train No. 53054 Nimtita–Katwa Passenger collided with a Tata Sumo school van carrying children to Royal Academy School and a bicycle. The level crossing had been closed for the passage of trains in both directions. After Train No. 13431 passed in the up direction, the gate was opened, and the school van entered the crossing, where it was struck by the approaching Nimtita–Katwa Passenger train.
Two children and the elderly cyclist died at the spot. Three children and the driver of the Tata Sumo were admitted to the ICU at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital. The remaining injured children are also undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Senior railway officials, RPF personnel, GRP and the local civil administration have reached the site. Additional RPF personnel have been rushed to assist with rescue and crowd management, while district police are also present. Efforts are underway to clear the site and restore normalcy. Railway authorities have initiated an inquiry into the incident.
