At least 12 people were killed and 20 others injured after a mail train crashed into a bus at the Padua Bazar level crossing in Comilla early Sunday.
Among the deceased were seven men, three women and two children, said Sub-Inspector (SI) Saiful Islam of the EPZ outpost under Comilla Sadar South Police Station.
On information, members of the army, police, fire service and the Red Crescent rushed to the scene and carried out rescue operations.
The accident occurred around 3:00am when the Chittagong-bound bus, Mamun Special, was struck at the Padua Bazar level crossing, the SI said.
The bus became entangled with the train’s engine and was dragged for nearly one kilometre before the train came to a halt, leaving the vehicle mangled.
Hearing the screams of passengers, locals and rescuers rushed to the scene and recovered the injured, who were taken to Cuomilla Medical College Hospital.
Fire Service officials said three bodies were recovered from the spot, while nine others died at hospitals while undergoing treatment.
Train movement on the Dhaka–Chittagong route remained suspended for three hours following the accident.
