Nighttime Train Collision Kills Dozen in Comilla

At least twelve passengers lost their lives in a catastrophic railway accident at the Paduar Bazar level crossing in Comilla late on Saturday night. The tragedy occurred when a passenger bus attempted to cross the railway line without proper supervision, colliding with a moving train along the Dhaka–Chittagong highway. Another 10 to 15 passengers sustained injuries of varying severity.

According to Mostafizur Rahman, Divisional Manager of the Chittagong Railway Division, two gatekeepers—Mehedi Hasan and Helal Uddin—have been temporarily suspended for dereliction of duty. He added that the railway authorities have formed two investigative committees, one at the divisional level and another at the zonal level. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any personnel found responsible.

A rescue train dispatched from Akhaura reached the site at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning to commence recovery operations. By 10:30 a.m., the derailed bus and train were removed to Comilla Railway Station, and rail traffic resumed shortly after 11:00 a.m.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bus, operated by Mamun Special and travelling from Chuadanga to Lakshmipur, entered the crossing while the gate was left open. The collision resulted in multiple fatalities, including men, women, and children.

Comilla District Commissioner Mu. Reza Hasan stated that 18 of the injured were discharged following initial treatment, while five remain admitted at Comilla Medical College Hospital. The district administration has pledged financial assistance of BDT 25,000 for the next of kin of each deceased.

Preliminary Casualty Report

Law enforcement authorities have intensified security around the accident site. Debris, including shattered glass and scattered bus wheels, remains along the railway track, and the quarters of nearby railway staff have been secured. Local shopkeepers noted that typically four personnel are assigned to manage the crossing around the clock, although it is unclear who was on duty at the time of the accident.

Preliminary investigations by both the police and railway officials indicate that negligence on the part of the gatekeepers was the primary cause. Fire services and police promptly transported the victims to hospitals, while local residents also assisted in rescue efforts.

An unnamed engineer from Comilla Railway Division remarked that Paduar Bazar is one of the busiest crossings, monitored 24 hours daily. However, a failure to secure the gate on Saturday night appears to have led directly to this tragedy.

The district administration and railway authorities have each formed three separate investigative committees to ascertain the cause and hold the responsible parties accountable. Both bodies are taking steps to provide swift support to the victims’ families.