A sack of Indian fireworks discarded by smugglers exploded after coming under the wheels of a train in Cumilla’s Brahmanpara area, narrowly averting a major disaster. The incident occurred on Monday evening (10 November) near the Reayachat Ali Fakir shrine along the railway line in Pitambar area of Burichang upazila. More than a hundred passengers on board escaped unharmed, though panic spread instantly among those travelling.
According to local sources, an organised smuggling ring routinely uses Chattala Express and Nasirabad trains via Saldandi and Shashidal railway stations to transport illegal Indian goods. On Monday evening, when news spread of a magistrate-led drive at Sadar Rasulpur railway station, the smugglers hurriedly threw several sacks from the train before it could stop. One of the sacks, filled with fireworks, fell onto the track and was crushed under the wheels of the passing Mohanagar Godhuli Express, triggering a powerful explosion.
Witnesses said the blast caused a violent jolt to the train, sending passengers into fear and confusion. Many began screaming as the explosion echoed through the area. However, as the train was in motion, flames did not spread, preventing a catastrophic derailment or fire. Locals reported that the sound of the explosion was heard from a considerable distance, heightening fear in nearby neighbourhoods.
Following the incident, people were seen collecting Indian goods scattered beside the railway line. Later, a local syndicate allegedly removed the remaining items. Regular passengers claim that behind sacks of smuggled goods, narcotics such as yaba, cannabis, crystal meth (ice), cosmetics and fireworks are often transported. There are allegations that some dishonest railway and law enforcement personnel may be involved in facilitating such activities.
Sadar Rasulpur Station Master Prosenjit Chakraborty confirmed that the explosion took place while an operation led by Magistrate Sanwar Jahan was underway on the Chattala Express. He added that no casualties or major damage were reported, but the incident once again highlighted serious security risks posed by organised smuggling through the railway network.
GLIVE/TSN