Rail services on the busy Dhaka–Chattogram corridor were disrupted for approximately one hour following a collision between the intercity Sylhet-bound Parjotika Express and a sand-laden pickup van in Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram district on Sunday morning. The incident occurred at around 8:55 am in the Middle Sonapahar area under Jorarganj Union. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were reported.
According to railway officials and local sources, the accident took place near a vulnerable stretch of track adjacent to a small hilly stream, where illegal sand extraction has reportedly been taking place for an extended period. At the time of the incident, a pickup van carrying sand was attempting to cross the railway line using an unauthorised passage.
Simultaneously, the Parjotika Express, travelling at speed from Chattogram towards Sylhet, approached the same section of track. The train struck the vehicle as it was crossing, resulting in a violent impact that left the pickup van severely damaged and thrown to the side of the railway embankment.
Eyewitnesses reported that the driver of the pickup van managed to leap out of the vehicle moments before the collision after sensing imminent danger, narrowly escaping injury. The vehicle, however, was left completely wrecked, with debris scattered near the tracks, causing immediate obstruction to rail movement.
Local residents stated that although there is no authorised railway crossing at the site, informal and risky crossings are frequently used by pedestrians and sand-carrying vehicles. This practice, they noted, has long posed a significant safety hazard and created conditions conducive to accidents.
Following the collision, panic spread in the surrounding area, and local residents promptly informed railway authorities. Train operations along the affected section were temporarily suspended while emergency response teams worked to clear the debris and restore service.
A senior assistant executive engineer from the Eastern Railway’s Feni zone confirmed that the incident occurred due to the use of an illegal crossing point. He added that limited train movement was later restored using an alternative line after initial clearance work, while repair operations continued on the affected track to ensure full restoration of normal services.
Authorities have announced that a formal investigation committee will be formed to determine the circumstances leading to the accident. In addition, steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, including stricter enforcement against unauthorised railway crossings, increased surveillance, and the installation of warning signage in the area.
Incident Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Middle Sonapahar, Jorarganj Union, Mirsarai, Chattogram |
| Time | Approximately 8:55 am (Sunday) |
| Train | Parjotika Express (Sylhet-bound intercity train) |
| Vehicle involved | Sand-laden pickup van |
| Casualties | None reported |
| Service disruption | Around 1 hour on Dhaka–Chattogram route |
| Primary cause | Illegal railway crossing and unsafe passage |
Residents and officials alike have expressed concern that unless illegal sand extraction and uncontrolled crossing of railway lines are effectively addressed, the risk of more serious accidents will remain persistent in the region. Railway authorities have reiterated their commitment to strengthening safety measures and preventing further breaches of track discipline.