Language twist to TN school van tragedy: DMK says gateman did not know Tamil; urges to hire people who know mother tongue

Time of India

08-07-2025

DMK Spokesperson TKS Elangovan
NEW DELHI: In the tragic school van collision in Tamil Nadu that claimed the lives of three students on Tuesday, a fresh political angle has emerged. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has alleged that a language barrier contributed to the incident, claiming the railway gateman posted at the crossing did not understand Tamil.
According to the DMK, the lack of familiarity with the local language may have led to a critical communication lapse, ultimately resulting in the fatal crash.
DMK Spokesperson TKS Elangovan said, "Already there was an accident here and the Railway authority themselves stated that it was because the person did not know Tamil language. He could not understand what was told to him. The same thing has happened now. So, it is always better in such important positions that the people who know the local language should be posted so that it will be helpful.
That will at least save the people.
"
The incident occurred at approximately 7:45 am when a school van carrying students attempted to cross railway level crossing Gate No. 170 between Cuddalore and Alappakkam. The van was struck by Train No. 56813 Villupuram-Mayiladuthurai passenger.
The collision caused the van to be thrown away from the crossing. The train's loco pilot managed to halt the train after some distance.
Television footage revealed the severely damaged yellow school vehicle.
Conflicting accounts emerged regarding the gate's status. Southern Railway maintained the crossing was closed, whilst the van driver requested opening to avoid delay. However, both the driver and an injured student assert the gate was open.
The incident resulted in four fatalities, including three students initially and one who later died in hospital.
The driver and another student were admitted to Government Hospital, Cuddalore/JIPMER Pondicherry. The incident occurred approximately 190 km from Chennai.
Southern Railway's preliminary investigation indicated the gate was closed when the van arrived. They stated the gatekeeper improperly permitted the van's crossing, violating protocols. Legal proceedings have commenced against the gatekeeper.
Southern Railway noted that an underpass project awaits District Collector's approval for the past year.
The injured student, Vishwesh, and driver Shankar maintain the gate was open and no train signal was heard.
A bystander who assisted the victims suffered electric shock from damaged wiring and was hospitalised. Southern Railway expressed regret and announced compensation: Rs 5 Lakh for deceased families, Rs 2.5 lakh for seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.
Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin announced additional compensation: Rs 5 lakh for victims' families, Rs 1 lakh for serious injuries, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.
Railway authorities deployed a relief train with medical facilities. Senior officials, including the General Manager and Divisional Railway Manager, supervised rescue operations. The incident also damaged an overhead electrical mast.
Various state officials, including Governor R N Ravi, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, Opposition Leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, and AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, expressed condolences.