Train rams container truck in Ctg
A train rammed a lorry at a level crossing in Barabkunda area of Sitakunda upazila early yesterday, killing a man and injuring at least three others.
Following the accident, the railway communications between Dhaka and Chittagong remained snapped for nearly six hours, causing sufferings to passengers.
The dead is Mohammad Ajgor, 35, a fish trader of Laksam in Comilla. Two of the injured, including the lorry helper, were admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Their names could not be known immediately.
Ajgor's brother Russel told The Daily Star that they were standing near the engine of the train when the accident happened. Luckily, he was unhurt.
With Ajgor, at least 61 people have been killed and around 70 others injured in accidents near the level crossings in the east zone of Bangladesh Railway alone since 2011, according to railway sources.
Chittagong Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Mofizur Rahman said a lorry with a powdered milk-carrying container broke down on the tracks while passing a level crossing in Barabkunda yesterday morning.
When the Chittagong-bound Bijoy Express from Mymensingh approached the scene, the lorry driver fled, leaving his vehicle right there, he said, adding that the collision took place around 5:10am.
Four bogies and the engine of the train derailed later, Mofizur said.
A three-member probe body, led by Divisional Engineer-1 Abidur Rahman, was formed to investigate the incident. The committee was asked to submit its report as soon as possible, added the DRM.
Witnesses told The Daily Star that there was no gateman at the site of the accident and the gate near the level crossing was open.
Saiful Islam, senior assistant superintendent of police, Sitakunda Model Police Station, said they also did not find the gateman on reaching the spot.
Mozammel Haque, general manager of railway (east zone), said the gateman had been suspended for negligence in duty.
An owner of a tea stall adjacent to the accident site said he had heard people asking the truck driver not to try to pass the level crossing as the train was approaching.
”But instead of listening to them, the driver drove on and later, the lorry broke down on the tracks,” added Joynal Abedin, who was sleeping inside the stall.
Sadakat Ullah Miajee, a local union chairman, said the lorry was heading towards a milk factory, “Today”, at Anantapur in Barabkunda.
Locals collected the powdered milk, which had been scattered at the scene after the accident, using polythene bags and gunnysacks.
Railway officials said the rail link between Dhaka and Chittagong was restored around 11:15am.
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