8 children killed as train hits van

Bhadohi (UP), July 25

Eight children were killed and 14 injured when a school mini-bus was today hit by a train at an unmanned railway crossing due to alleged negligence of the bus driver who ignored warning.

The mini-bus of Tender Hearts English School in Ghosiya township, carrying students of six villages in the age group of six to 14 years, was hit by the Varanasi-Allahabad passenger train at the gate number 26 between Katka and Madhosingh railway stations, the police said.

A “Gate Mitra” was available at the time of accident, but the van driver ignored his warning which resulted in this accident, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said, while expressing grief over the loss of lives.

According to the “Gate Mitra”, he tried to show a red flag to the driver to warn him of the approaching train.

The police said the driver, who had earphones on, did not pay heed to the warning.

The children, who survived the mishap, also said they tried to draw the driver’s attention but he was in a hurry to clear the crossing, the police said.

Seven children and the driver who were injured have been admitted to hospitals. Those suffering serious injuries have been referred to BHU Hospital in Varanasi, the police said. Superintendent of Police Arvind Bhushan Pandey said an FIR would be lodged against the school management.

Seven of the deceased have been identified as Naitik (6), Abhishek (10), Shubham (6), Pradumn Tewari (14), Swati Misra (10), Sakshi (7) and Rinku (8), the police said. — PTI