A passenger train collided with a school van at about 7:45 a.m. on 8 July after the vehicle attempted to cross Level Crossing Gate No. 170 in Semmankuppam near Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. The van, belonging to a private CBSE school, was struck by Train No. 56813 Villupuram–Mayiladuthurai passenger while the gate was still open. Two students from the same family died and at least three people—including two other students and the driver—were injured, according to Cuddalore Superintendent of Police S. Jayakumar. The injured were taken to Cuddalore Government Hospital, and train services on the section were briefly disrupted. Southern Railway said preliminary findings indicate the van driver insisted on crossing as the gatekeeper was attempting to lower the barrier. The gatekeeper has been suspended for alleged negligence, and a committee of safety, operations and engineering officials is investigating the incident. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed condolences and announced ex-gratia payments of Rs5 lakh ($6,000) to each bereaved family, Rs1 lakh for those seriously hurt and Rs50,000 for minor injuries.