At least 12 people, including three children, were killed and five others injured when a train struck a bus at Padua Bazar level crossing in Cumilla early Sunday.
The deceased were identified as Laiju Akter, 26, Khadiza, 6, Mariam, 3, Tajul Islam, 67, Juhad Biswas, 24, Sirajul Islam, 70, Kohinur Begum, 55, Babul Chowdhury, 55, Fachier Rahman, 26, Sohel Rana, 25, Nazrul Islam Raihan, 45, and Saida, 9. All hailed from different parts of the country, according to Mohammad Idris, Assistant Director of Cumilla Fire Service.
Members of the army, police, fire service and Red Crescent rushed to the scene and conducted rescue operations.
Witnesses and fire service officials said the Chattogram bound bus, named Mamun Special, was crossing the level crossing at Padua Bazar around 2:45am when it was struck by a Dhaka bound train from Chattogram.
The bus became lodged with the engine of the train and was dragged for around one kilometre before the train stopped, leaving the vehicle mangled.
Locals and rescuers rushed to the scene following screams from passengers and recovered the injured, who were taken to Cumilla Medical College Hospital. Three bodies were recovered from the spot while nine others died at the hospital, fire service officials said.
Train services on the Dhaka Chattogram route were suspended for three hours following the accident. Deputy Commissioner Reza Hasan and highway police officials visited the scene.
Multiple probe committees have been formed to investigate the accident. Railway authorities established two investigation bodies, a divisional committee and a zonal committee, comprising senior officials from transport, engineering, mechanical, signal and medical departments to determine the cause, said Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiya, Divisional Manager of Chattogram Railway zone. The committees have been asked to submit their reports within three working days.
The Cumilla district administration formed a five member probe committee led by the Additional District Magistrate to conduct an independent inquiry, according to a Railway Ministry media release.
Officials said the committees will examine possible negligence of duty and safety lapses at the level crossing. Two gatemen have been suspended over allegations of negligence.
Local administration provided financial assistance to the families of the deceased. Food and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid and State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Ministry Habibur Rashid visited the spot on Sunday. The government announced it will provide Tk one lakh to each family of the deceased.
