3 children killed, several injured as train hits school van in India

NEW DELHI, July 8 (Xinhua) -- At least three children were killed and six others injured after a passenger train hit a school van attempting to cross a manned level crossing in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, police said.

The accident took place at Semmankuppam of Cuddalore district, about 204 km south of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.

According to officials, the school van was badly mangled in the accident.

Reports said a bystander, identified as a 55-year-old man, was also injured at the spot after coming into contact with an electrical cable that snapped during the crash.

Preliminary investigations carried out by the police revealed that the van driver insisted on allowing his vehicle to cross the gate.