Train hits bus, auto at Ctg level crossing: 2 dead, 10 hurt

Train hits bus, auto at Ctg level crossing: 2 dead, 10 hurt

Chattogram, Dec 4 -- Two people, including a policeman, were killed and 10 others injured when a speeding train hit a bus and an auto-rickshaw at a railway level crossing in the port city of Chattogram Saturday morning.

Eye-witness said that the accident occurred around 10.30am when the drivers of the two vehicles tried to cross the

Jhautala level crossing, completely ignoring the repeated warnings of the gateman.

One of the deceased was identified as Mohammad Monir, a traffic constable. He had been waiting to cross the track when he was killed in the impact of the fatal crash, according to the eye-witnesses.

Sarwar Alam, officer-in-charge of the Chattogram Railway Police, said the train was a diesel-electric multiple unit.

"The train crashed into the bus and the CNG-run auto at the level crossing. While two people were killed on the spot, the 10 injured have been admitted to Chattogram Medical College and Hospital," the OC said.

Train accidents in Bangladesh

Train accidents are common in Bangladesh, many at unmanned level crossings and some due to the poor condition of tracks.

According to data provided by the Bangladesh Railway, in August 2019, only 466 gates of its 1,412 level crossings have gatemen.

In November 2019, a deadly collision occurred between Dhaka-bound Turna Nishita Express and Chattogram-bound Udayan Express on the Dhaka-Chattogram route near the Mandbagh railway station in Kasba upazila of Brahmanbaria.

The train crash had left at least 16 people dead and over 100 others injured.

At least 113 people, including 26 women and 11 children, were killed in railway accidents between January 1 and June 30 this year, according to a July report, jointly prepared by the Green Club of Bangladesh (GCB) and the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways. - UNB