Train-truck collision kills 1 in Chattogram

A security guard was killed and two locomotive staff were injured when a truck came on rail tracks and was hit by a goods-laden train at the Sagorika level crossing in Chattogram port city early today (28 October).

The victim, identified as Shamsul Haque, 60, worked as a security guard at a local market, according to railway police.

Quoting witnesses, Shahidul Islam, officer-in-charge of Chattogram Railway Police, said the accident occurred 4:20am when a Dhaka-bound goods train from Chattogram port hit the rice-laden truck, killing one person on the spot and injuring two locomotive crew members.

He said the locomotive of the train overturned, while the truck was badly damaged in the collision.

The collision halted container train operations between Dhaka and Chattogram port. Rescue operations began around 9am, officials said.

Local residents alleged that negligence by the gatekeeper led to the accident. However, Mohammad Subakatgin, general manager of the Railway (East Zone), dismissed the claim.

"The gate was lowered at the crossing. The trailer broke through the barrier and hit the train," he told The Business Standard.

He said the locomotive driver and his assistant suffered minor injuries and were admitted to a hospital. "No railway staff were killed," he added.

A four-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the accident. Rescue work is still underway, and train services are expected to resume shortly, Subakatgin said.