In a remarkable demonstration of vigilance and presence of mind, residents along the Phulbari–Birampur railway line in Dinajpur witnessed a life-saving act by 65-year-old Enamul Haque. Early on the morning of 23 March, Enamul was taking his routine walk beside the tracks when he noticed a section of the railway—approximately one foot long—had been damaged. Recognising the imminent danger, he took swift action to prevent what could have been a catastrophic accident.
Speaking to reporters, Enamul explained that his first instinct was to alert nearby people and contact the local railway station via mobile phone. However, as the sound of an approaching train grew louder, he realised time was critically short. Without access to a red flag or cloth, he ingeniously used a tomato’s red skin. He stripped the outer layer from a tomato, tied it to the end of a stick with a piece of rope, and stood visibly near the track, creating a makeshift “red signal” for the approaching train driver.
Within five minutes, the intercity “Panchagarh Express”, travelling from Dhaka towards Panchagarh, approached the damaged section. Upon seeing Enamul’s improvised signal, the train slowed and came to a safe stop, sparing hundreds of passengers from potential disaster.
Timeline of the Incident
| Event | Time | Location | Person Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage detected on railway | 23 Mar, 7:30 AM | Phulbari–Birampur, Dinajpur | Enamul Haque, son of the late Fazlul Haque Sonar, Purbo Chandipur |
| Train halted safely | 23 Mar, 7:35 AM | Same | Enamul Haque |
| Railway repair team arrival | 23 Mar, 8:00 AM | Same | Engineering team and track workers |
Railway officials confirmed the promptness of Enamul’s action. Local officer Shahinur stated that Enamul’s call led to immediate notification of the railway office, enabling the engineering team to reach the site and undertake urgent repairs within half an hour. Phulbari station master Shaukat Ali added, “We were informed of the track damage at 6:30 AM. Thanks to the quick response and Enamul Haque’s vigilance, a major accident was averted today.”
Residents hailed Enamul Haque’s swift thinking as a life-saving intervention. Beyond highlighting the importance of individual alertness in emergencies, the incident also underscores how creativity and decisive action can mitigate risks, even in the absence of standard safety equipment. Enamul’s initiative serves as a compelling reminder that quick thinking and courage can make the difference between catastrophe and safety.