At least 24 students were injured, including one seriously, after a goods train collided with a private college bus near Velliyanai in Karur district on Saturday evening. The bus driver also sustained injuries in the accident.
According to police, most of the injured students have been admitted to Karur Government Medical College Hospital and several private hospitals in the district. One student who suffered serious injuries has been shifted to a hospital in Coimbatore for further treatment.
Officials said the incident occurred around 6 pm when the bus, carrying nearly 50 students from VSB Engineering College, was attempting to cross an unmanned railway crossing. At the same time, a goods train passing along the track reportedly struck the rear portion of the bus.
Local residents quickly reached the accident site and helped transport the injured students to nearby hospitals. Personnel from the fire and rescue services also arrived at the scene to clear the debris and assist in rescue operations.
In a statement, Southern Railway clarified that the track where the accident occurred is a private railway line and does not fall under its jurisdiction. The railway authorities stated that the line is owned and operated by Chettinad Cements between Veerarakkiyam and Palayam for transporting clinker, adding that the route includes several unmanned level crossings.
Superintendent of Police Josh Thangiah visited the accident site to review the situation. Local leaders, including V Senthilbalaji and S Jothimani, also visited hospitals to meet the injured students. MP Jothimani stated that the railway track has reportedly remained unmanned for nearly 25 years. She added that authorities would request Chettinad Cements to install a gate and deploy personnel at the crossing to prevent similar incidents in the future. An investigation into the accident is currently underway by the Karur police.