Train-school van collision due to negligent driving of

Preliminary information suggests that the school van-train collision near Mau in Uttar Pradesh that left six children dead was due to negligent driving of the vehicle, Rajya Sabha was informed today.
A statement tabled by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on behalf of Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said 16 occupants of the vehicle have been admitted to two local hospitals in Mau, while six passengers died.
"As per preliminary information received, the incident occurred due to the negligent driving by the driver of the road vehicle. The driver did not stop the road vehicle at the Stop Board short of the level crossing to check for any approaching train as prescribed in Section 131 of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988," the statement said.

It said that information had been received as per which visibility was poor due to foggy conditions.
The House was also informed that an ex-gratia amount of Rs two lakh each to the next kin of deceased, Rs one lakh to the grievously injured and Rs 20,000 to persons with simple injuries has been announced.
The minister also said that he would proceed to the site of the accident to monitor the relief and rescue work.
Six kindergarten children were killed and several others were injured when the school van dashed against a Varanasi- bound passenger train at an unmanned railway crossing in Mau district in Uttar Pradesh.

The Rail Minister's statement was tabled amidst din created by opposition members seeking removal of Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti for her controversial remarks.