In a tragic turn of events, at least 17 people lost their lives, and over 100 others sustained injuries when two trains collided in Bhairab, Bangladesh, located approximately 50 miles northeast of the nation's capital, Dhaka. The accident, which occurred on Monday around 3:30 p.m. local time, has sent shockwaves throughout the country and raised pressing questions about railway safety and operational protocols.
The collision involved a freight train and the Dhaka-bound Egarosindhur Godhuli Express passenger train. Preliminary reports suggest that the freight train might have been in violation of standard operating procedures. It allegedly did not wait for a clearance signal and recklessly attempted to enter the Bhairab railway station, subsequently smashing into the passenger train's rear coaches.
Mohammad Masud, the local fire service chief, described the harrowing scene, stating, "Many people got trapped inside after the collision. When it happened, most of the people died then." Witnesses and survivors recounted the terrifying moments, with one passenger, Eashfinul Haque Munim, drawing a chilling comparison: "It's like what happens to a paper when you tear it into a thousand pieces. That's what happened to the two coaches behind us when the freight train hit."
At least 15 people killed and several others injured after two trains collide near Dhaka, Bangladesh#BangladeshTrainCollision #ThoughtsAndPrayers #trainAccident #Bangladesh #TrainAccident #Kishoreganj pic.twitter.com/OiF1YxsaDp — Bhart Jaiswal (@JaiswalBhart) October 23, 2023
Bhairab Railway Station Master Md Yousuf provided further insights into the possible cause of the accident. He mentioned that the freight train was instructed to wait until the passenger train had switched tracks. However, in a grave violation of this directive, the freight train attempted to enter the station without waiting for clearance. This impulsive decision led to the catastrophic collision, instantly claiming several lives.
NHK WORLD-JAPAN News reported that the passenger train was in the process of changing lines when the freight train crashed into it. Local residents, alongside police and firefighters, rushed to the scene to rescue the injured from the mangled coaches. The community's swift response undoubtedly saved many lives, but the incident's aftermath has left deep scars on the nation's psyche.
Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, expressed her shock at the tragedy and assured the government's full support to the victims' families. As the nation mourns the loss of its citizens, there is a growing demand for a thorough investigation into the incident. The public seeks answers and accountability, hoping to prevent such accidents in the future.
While the exact cause of the collision is still under investigation, early indications point to human error and potential lapses in communication. The tragedy underscores the importance of stringent safety measures, regular training, and strict adherence to protocols in the railway sector.
As Bangladesh grapples with this devastating incident, it serves as a somber reminder of the critical need for robust infrastructure, effective communication systems, and a culture of safety in public transportation systems worldwide.
