Mirsarai tragedy: Probe body finds gateman, driver responsible
Both the rail crossing gateman and the microbus driver are responsible for the train-microbus collision at the Mirsarai Borotakia rail crossing that killed 13 people, a probe committee has found.
The committee, led by Railway divisional traffic officer of Chattogram Ansar Ali, submitted its report on Monday with eight recommendations.
The report accused gateman Saddam Hossain -- who is currently in prison -- and deceased microbus driver Golam Mostafa of the collision and subsequent deaths.
The incident occurred on July 29, killing 11 people on the spot and injuring seven others. Of the seven injured, two died while undergoing treatment.
Railway formed two committees to investigate the accident.
The probe committee report found that the gateman of the rail crossing was not present at the time of the accident and the driver of the microbus was negligent.
The committee recommended that the gateman be punished for his negligence in duty.
The report mentioned that the gateman put up barriers on both sides of the crossing before the train's arrival and went to say his prayers.
Someone removed the barrier on one side during his absence. The microbus driver took this chance to cross through.
The committee also mentioned that according to the Railway Act, the microbus violated the rules. It was also
carrying 18 passengers while its capacity is to carry 12, which makes the microbus driver more responsible for the accident than the gateman.
Seeking anonymity, a committee member said the gateman is not the railway's employee and was appointed temporarily. "We have recommended his termination," said the probe committee member.
Muhammad Abul Kalam Chowdhury, divisional railway manager of Chattogram, said the probe committee has submitted the report formally. "Once it's approved, we will implement the recommendations," he added.
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