The container train involved in the Bhairab train collision failed to follow signal, resulting in the accident that claimed the lives of at least 17 individuals and left dozens others injured, Bangladesh Railway (BR) said.
The preliminary information was provided by BR official Nazmul Islam.
According to BR, The Egarosindhur Express, a passenger train, arrived at Bhairab Rail Station from Kishoreganj and stopped to change direction. Around 3:30pm, the passenger train left the station to switch to the Dhaka-bound track. But just before it completed the switch, a Chittgong-bound container train collided with the last three carriages of the Egarosindhur Express.
The Chittgong-bound container train had overshot the signal, he added.
Two rear coaches of the Egarosindhur Express train were severely damaged. Witnesses reported that many people were trapped under the train, with several of the injured individuals lying beneath the damaged coaches.
Bhairab Station Master Yusuf said: “The incident took place around 3.30pm. The death toll is expected to rise further. Rail connectivity from Dhaka to Chittagong, Sylhet and Kishoreganj is suspended.”
Police and fire service personnel are working at the spot to rescue the victims.