Dhaka, March 22: A devastating accident occurred in Bangladesh on Sunday morning when a mail train collided violently with a bus at the Padua Bazaar level crossing in Comilla. At least 12 people lost their lives, and 20 others sustained injuries. The impact was so severe that the bus was completely mangled.
Sub-Inspector Saiful Islam from the EPZ police station under Comilla Sadar South reported that the deceased included seven men, three women, and two children. According to Bangladeshi media outlet The Daily Star, the incident took place around 2:45 AM at the Padua Bazaar level crossing in the Comilla Sadar South sub-district.
Witnesses and police stated that the “Mamun Special” bus was dragged nearly half a kilometer north into the jungle-kachua area by the train. Authorities noted that there was no gatekeeper present at the crossing at the time of the accident.
Saiful Islam confirmed that five individuals died at the scene. Hospital sources later verified that the death toll had risen to 12, comprising seven men, three women, and two children.
Initially, 18 injured passengers were taken to the hospital, with eight still admitted as of 8:15 AM. By that time, the train remained stationary at the accident site, with the bus trapped in front of it. Police, highway patrol, and fire service personnel worked to rescue the injured and transport them to medical facilities.
Bangladeshi media reported that the Bangladesh Railway has formed two investigation committees—one divisional and one regional—to look into the incident. Meanwhile, two gatekeepers at the Padua Bazaar crossing, Mehdi Hasan and Helal Uddin, have been suspended temporarily.
According to The Daily Star, the bus was traveling from Chapainawabganj to Lakshmipur. Following the accident, rail communication between Chattogram and Comilla has been suspended, and no rescue train has arrived at the site yet.
However, the Dhaka Tribune reported that the bus became entangled with the train’s engine and was dragged for nearly a kilometer before the train came to a halt, resulting in severe damage to the bus.
Hearing the cries of passengers, local residents and rescue workers rushed to the scene to assist the injured. Fire service officials stated that three bodies were recovered from the site, while nine others succumbed to their injuries in hospitals. Train services on the Dhaka-Chattogram route were halted for three hours following the accident.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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