A tragic accident claimed the lives of two young men in Sirajganj’s Ullapara Upazila on Thursday afternoon, as they were struck by a train while admiring the vibrant red blossoms of the Shimul trees along the Ishwardi–Dhaka railway line. The incident occurred around 2:00 PM at the Ghatina railway bridge.
The deceased have been identified as Alfi Sani (18), son of Abdul Latif of Delua village, Belkuchi Upazila, and Faisal (19), son of Akhtar Hossain from Dhukuria Bera village, also in Belkuchi. The two were close friends.
Local sources report that along the eastern bank of the Karatoa River, the railway embankment is lined with Shimul trees stretching nearly half a kilometre. Each year, during the flowering season, the area attracts numerous locals and visitors from nearby villages who come to admire the striking red flowers. Many are known to climb the railway bridge to take photographs and selfies, often ignoring the risks posed by passing trains.
On Thursday, Sani and Faisal travelled to the site by motorbike. While standing on the Ghatina railway bridge to take selfies, they were hit by the Intercity Rangpur Express, travelling from Dhaka to Rangpur. Sani died instantly at the scene, while Faisal sustained severe injuries. He was rescued by local residents and rushed to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Sub-Inspector Mokhlesur Rahman of Ullapara Model Police Station confirmed that the scene had been secured, and formal documentation of the incident was completed. He added that further legal measures would be coordinated with railway police authorities.
General Manager of Western Railway, Farid Ahmed, described the incident as “extremely tragic” and emphasised the dangers of climbing railway bridges or taking photographs on train tracks. He assured that preventive measures would be introduced to avoid similar accidents in the future.
Authorities and locals have expressed concern over the growing popularity of the Shimul flowering season. Social media trends have amplified the practice of taking selfies on the bridge, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Safety warnings and barriers are reportedly being considered to protect visitors.
The following table summarises the key details of the accident:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 13 March 2026, 2:00 PM |
| Location | Ghatina Railway Bridge, Ullapara, Sirajganj |
| Deceased | Alfi Sani (18), Faisal (19) |
| Train Involved | Intercity Rangpur Express (Dhaka to Rangpur) |
| Cause | Collision while taking selfies on bridge |
| Authorities Notified | Ullapara Model Police, Railway Police |
Safety experts warn that while the Shimul flowers offer a visually stunning spectacle, the area remains extremely hazardous. Visitors are urged to enjoy the blooms from designated safe zones, avoiding railway tracks and bridges. This tragic incident underscores the importance of public awareness and strict enforcement of safety measures during high-traffic flowering seasons.