4 children among 5 killed as train hits multi-utility vehicle in Bengal
Open level crossing accident in Murshidabad district highlights railway crossing safety and duty lapses
- A passenger train struck a multi-utility vehicle carrying schoolchildren at an open level crossing in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, causing five deaths and four injuries.
- The gateman was arrested and a Permanent Way Inspector was suspended for alleged dereliction of duty after the Murshidabad accident.
A passenger train struck a multi-utility vehicle carrying schoolchildren at an open level crossing near Karna Subarna station in Murshidabad district, West Bengal. The accident killed four children and one bicycle rider, and injured three children and the vehicle driver.
Officials said the crossing was manned, but the gate had been opened after one train passed and another scheduled train arrived at speed. The gateman was arrested and a Permanent Way Inspector was suspended for alleged dereliction of duty.
State and railway officials said they would conduct a thorough probe and announced compensation for the deceased and injured. Opposition leaders blamed systemic safety failures and poor crossing management.
UPSC can use the Murshidabad accident to test railway safety management, duty of officials at level crossings, inter-agency accountability, and policy measures for reducing human error at rail-road interfaces. The issue connects accident prevention with governance, public infrastructure, and administrative responsibility.
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