A large quantity of oil has spilled into a lake as three tank wagons of an oil-laden train have plunged into a Boalkhali khal in the district's Boalkhali upazila.
Firoz Iftekhar, divisional transportation officer of Bangladesh Railway East Zone, told the Dhaka Tribune: “Three tank wagons of the Dohazari-bound oil-laden train fell into Boalkhali khal after the No 24 bridge collapsed around 2pm on Friday.
“The water of the area has become contaminated with the oil spill from the sunken tank wagons which were carrying 33,640 litres of furnace oil each. Two people have been injured in the incident.”
Locals feared that the incident would create a massive and prolonged impact on their cultivated lands.
When contacted, Chief Operating Superintendent of BR (East Zone) Md Rokunuzzaman told the Dhaka Tribune: “The train was carrying furnace oil for the 100MW power plant in Dohazari. Out of the three tank wagons, two have completely sunk in the water and the spilled oil has already spread around the entire water body.
“A relief train has already started for the spot, and the authorities suspended two employees for their negligence in performing their duties.”
The suspended officials are Assistant Executive Engineer Abdul Halim and Senior Sub-Assistant Engineer Akhter Ahmed Ferdous.
The authorities have also formed two separate probe committees to investigate the incident, said the official.
“The committees have been asked to submit their report within three working days."
