CHENNAI: The Southern Railway on Monday clarified that the private van that capsized at a level-crossing in Cuddalore was due to the rash and negligent driving of its driver.

While passing through the level-crossing gate no. 163 at Puvanur (located between Ulundurpet and Virudhachalam stations), a private van with students lost control and capsized at 7.57 am on Monday. The students were reported to have minor injuries and were provided medical aid, the SR said, and noted that the mishap occurred due to the van driver's negligence, and a criminal case has been registered against him by the Railway Protection Force and the Government Railway Police, likely leading to his arrest.

In its press release, the SR stated that the level-crossing is manned, interlocked and protected with the signals and at the time of the incident, the LC was opened to road traffic in accordance with the gate working rules and train signals on both sides were red.

It added that the gates and road between them were in good condition, equipped with speed breakers on both sides and proper signage and that train services were not affected.

There was no damage to interlocking equipment or railway assets. Only a portion of the fencing outside the track area suffered minor damage.

Balak Ram Negi, Divisional Railway Manager, Tiruchy division, along with officials, visited the site and took stock of the incident.