Twin children were tragically killed when a train struck them at Lakhandia Rail Gate in Madhukhali upazila of the district on Wednesday afternoon.
The accident occurred around 1:30 pm. The deceased twins, aged four, are the sons of Akash Sheikh of Lakhandia village.
Eyewitnesses said a train departing from Rajbari around 1:30 pm hit the children near the Lakhandia Rail Gate. The twins were thrown at least 50 yards from the impact site and died instantly.
Locals said that accidents frequently occur in the area due to illegal structures on both sides of the rail crossing and a lack of proper safety measures.
Following the tragedy, residents staged protests demanding the installation of a formal rail gate and employment of staff to monitor it. They briefly blocked the railway line during the demonstration.
Azam Khan, assistant superintendent of Police of Madhukhali Circle, said police arrived promptly to calm the situation. When the train returned from Bhatiapara around 4:45 pm, protesters again blocked it.
The train was allowed to proceed after authorities assured that discussions would be initiated with senior railway officials regarding the installation of a proper gate in the area.
Authorities have called for increased safety measures at the Lakhandia Rail Crossing to prevent similar accidents in the future.