Bengal Train Accident: Human Error Blamed as Gateman Arrested

A preliminary investigation by Eastern Railway into Friday's train accident in Murshidabad district has ruled out any signal system failure, attributing the tragedy entirely to human error and negligence by the on-duty gateman.

The accident occurred around 7 am at a level-crossing gate between Karnasubarna and Gobindapur stations under the Howrah division. A Nimtita-Katwa passenger train collided with a school van and a cyclist after the gate was mistakenly opened, resulting in the deaths of three people, including two school children.

Following the incident, the Railways constituted a high-level 10-member committee to investigate. The gateman, identified as Anup Karmakar, and the section supervisor have been suspended. The West Bengal Police arrested Karmakar at Berhampore police station after questioning.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the site and stated, "It is not an accident, it is a human error; police have arrested the gateman… It is a very painful incident. I have asked the police to check if he was intoxicated, and if required, blood samples should be collected."

Investigators are probing whether the gateman was under the influence of alcohol. A senior official said, "His blood samples have been taken for medical analysis," describing the incident as a "catastrophic human lapse."

The high-level committee is expected to submit detailed findings in the coming days to determine how the gate was left open while a passenger train was approaching.

Superintendent of Railway Police, Howrah, Indrajit Basu said, "We received a complaint from the Station Master, on the basis of which the gateman has been arrested. The probe is on."

Abhishek Yadav, Additional Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) of Murshidabad Police District, added, "Statements from eyewitnesses have been recorded. We have also spoken with the driver of the vehicle. The investigation is underway in coordination with the Railways."