Kolkata: At least three people, including two children, were killed and several others injured after the Nimtita-Katwa Passenger train collided with a pool car at an unmanned level crossing near Karnasubarna-Gobindapur in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on Friday. According to eyewitnesses, the train struck the pool car and a cyclist after the level crossing gate was allegedly left open.
The injured were rushed to Karnasubarna Block Hospital, while those critically injured have been referred to Murshidabad Medical College.
According to an Eastern Railway official, the accident took place at around 7 am at a level crossing near Karna Subarna Railway Station in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district.
“The pool car, carrying the students to school, was crossing the rail lines at the level crossing gate near Karna Subarna station, about 48 km from Katwa, when the local train hit the vehicle,” the official said.
The official told PTI that a 10-member team has been sent to the accident site to investigate the cause of the crash.
The level crossing gate was reportedly open when the accident occurred, the official said.
Police arrested the gateman for alleged dereliction of duty as angry villagers held a protest at the accident site in Gobindapur. Also, a permanent way inspector of the railways has been suspended.
Railways has announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of each deceased and Rs 2.5 lakh for the injured.
Expressing grief over the tragedy, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic train accident in Murshidabad this morning. My heart goes out to the families especially parents of the young students who lost their lives. There are no words to ease such profound pain and the entire State stands with the bereaved families during this dark hour.”
Deeply saddened by the tragic train accident in Murshidabad this morning. My heart goes out to the families especially parents of the young students who lost their lives. There are no words to ease such profound pain and the entire State stands with the bereaved families during…
— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) July 17, 2026
He said the state government had directed officials to extend all possible assistance to the victims and their families. “I have directed the administration to provide all possible assistance to the injured and the affected families. Minister Gouri Sankar Ghosh has already visited the Hospital and monitoring the situation. District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police are already on site since morning and personally supervising the operations.”
The Chief Minister also said action would be taken against those responsible. “Negligence will not be tolerated. The Railway Gateman has already been arrested by the State Police. A thorough investigation into the circumstances of this incident will be conducted and I assure the people of West Bengal that the strictest possible action will be taken against those found responsible.”
Train services on the Azimganj-Katwa section of Eastern Railway’s Howrah division were also affected following the accident, according to the official.