Tragedy struck Bangladesh’s Comilla district when a mail train rammed into a crowded bus at an unguarded level crossing, killing at least 12 people and wounding 20. The crash occurred Sunday at Padua Market in Comilla Sadar South upazila, approximately 100 km southeast of Dhaka.
The bus, traveling from Chapainawabganj to Laxmipur, was hurled forward by the ‘Mamun Special’ train, which dragged it for about 500 meters through Junglya-Kachua area. Shattered glass, mangled seats, and human cries filled the air as locals rushed to aid the trapped passengers.
Sub-Inspector Saiful Islam from EPZ outpost under Comilla Sadar South police station detailed the casualties: seven adult males, three females, and two children. Initially, 18 injured were rushed to nearby hospitals; eight remain in critical condition.
Firefighters recovered three bodies from the rubble, with nine more deaths reported during treatment. The untrained crossing lacked a gatekeeper, prompting swift suspensions of staff Mehdi Hasan and Helal Uddin. Bangladesh Railway launched dual investigations to probe negligence.
Rail services on the vital Dhaka-Chattogram route faced major disruptions, with no rescue train dispatched immediately. By morning, operations resumed tentatively. This avoidable mishap highlights chronic issues like outdated signaling and insufficient barriers at rural crossings.
Public outrage is mounting over repeated rail accidents. Transport Minister has promised a thorough review, but grieving families seek accountability. Enhanced safety measures, including automated gates and vigilant staffing, are now imperative to protect commuters.