Three die as train rams bus

Three people, including a child, were killed and at least nine others injured after a train rammed a bus that got stuck between the gates of a level crossing in Narayanganj yesterday evening.

Identities of the deceased could not be known immediately.

After the accident, a video of the crash went viral on social media that shows a level crossing gate was not down. The bus of Ananda Paribahan was stuck on the lines due to traffic. The train hit the bus and pushed it 10 to 15 yards.

Shopkeepers along the lines and pedestrians were injured. At the same time, the level crossing gate hit on an electric transformer.

Shah Jamal, officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station, said two people died on the spot and 10 others were injured.

One of the injured, who was around 10 years old, died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital at 8:45pm while undergoing treatment. He had lost his left leg, doctors said.

Sabina Yasmin, a doctor of the emergency unit of Narayanganj General Hospital, said seven injured were brought to the hospital. Of them, six were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in critical condition.

Most of the passengers came in with broken limbs, said Sabina, adding that two passengers arrived with head injuries.

Quoting witnesses, Abdullah Arefin, deputy assistant director of Narayanganj Fire Service and Civil Defence, said the bus got stuck as the bus driver could not manage to clear the lines due to traffic congestion ahead and the closed gate behind.

CM Akhater Haider, station master, Narayanganj Central Rail Station, told The Daily Star, that the train left Dhaka at 5:20pm. It hit the bus at 6:05pm at the Number 1 level crossing.

The gateman could not close the gate due to traffic jam.

He said the train seemed to have had more speed than usual. "But everything will be revealed after investigation," he said.

Locals said the gateman did not show any red flag to the train even though he knew the bus was on the lines.

This correspondent could not reach Md Hanif, the gateman, despite repeated attempts.

The bus driver and other staffers of the vehicle fled the scene.

Shakil who was injured in the incident said he saw the bus driver jump off as the train came near.

Mostain Billah, deputy commissioner of Narayanganj, formed a five-member probe committee last night led by Rahima Akhter, additional deputy commissioner.

Representatives from police, fire service, Bangladesh Road Transport Authorities, and Bangladesh Railway will also be members of the committee.

"The committee has been asked to submit the report within 15 working days," the DC said.

He also announced Tk 25,000 for the families of each deceased and Tk 10,000 for each injured.