Two passengers were killed when an e-rickshaw was struck by a train in Jessore Sadar on Saturday afternoon. The impact left the small vehicle badly crushed and both passengers died at the scene.
The accident occurred in Krishnabati village of Jessore Sadar upazila at around midday on 26 September. The train, Ruposhi Bangla, was travelling from Dhaka towards Jessore when it collided with the e-rickshaw in the Krishnabati area.
The deceased have been identified as Azizur Rahman, 40, and Ershad Ali, 45, both residents of Tofsīdanga village in Jessore Sadar. They were travelling as passengers in the e-rickshaw when the collision occurred.
According to eyewitnesses, the train was approaching Jessore after leaving Dhaka when the e-rickshaw came into contact with it near Krishnabati. The force of the collision severely damaged the vehicle, leaving it twisted and crushed. Azizur and Ershad suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.
News of the accident quickly spread through the surrounding area, prompting railway police to reach the location and begin rescue operations. The bodies of the two victims were subsequently recovered from the accident site.
Sub-Inspector Mamun of the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Jessore Railway Station confirmed that the bodies had been recovered. He said legal procedures in connection with the incident were under way.
The collision has once again highlighted the risks faced by road users when crossing or travelling close to railway tracks. Trains are considerably heavier and require a much longer distance to stop, meaning that a collision involving a small road vehicle can have devastating consequences.
For passengers and drivers using roads that intersect with railway lines, even a brief lapse in attention can create a serious risk. The circumstances surrounding Saturday’s accident, including how the e-rickshaw came into contact with the approaching train, will be subject to the relevant authorities’ investigation.
The deaths have left the families of Azizur Rahman and Ershad Ali grieving. Both men were residents of the same village and had been travelling together when the accident occurred.
Police and railway authorities are expected to complete the necessary legal procedures following the recovery of the bodies. Further details about the circumstances of the collision may emerge as the authorities examine the incident.
