Seven schoolchildren were killed after their van collided with a train in Uttar Pradesh
At least eight people, including seven schoolchildren were killed after their van collided with a train at an unmanned crossing in Uttar Pradesh's Bhadohi district today. Three children are said to be critical.
The incident occurred at 7.25 am when Varanasi-Allahabad passenger train collided with the school van, carrying about 19 children.
A railway employee, who was reportedly present at the crossing, allegedly tried to prevent the van from crossing the tracks as the train was approaching. However, the driver of the van, who died on the spot, allegedly ignored him and went through.
"The driver did not listen and kept on driving ahead, that's when the accident happened. We are trying to eliminate all unmanned crossings in a phased manner," said CP Chauhan, Public Relations Officer of the North Eastern Railway.
Angry locals later set fire to the school van, blaming the driver for the accident.
The Railways has announced a three-member committee to investigate the incident.