3 killed, several injured after Dhaka-bound Parjatak Express train hits CNG auto-rickshaw on Kalurghat bridge

At least three people were killed and several others critically injured when a Dhaka-bound Parjatak Express train hit a CNG-run autorickshaw on the Kalurghat Bridge in Chattogram last night (5 June).

Chandagaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Aftab Uddin confirmed the deaths to The Business Standard.

Of the deceased, one was identified as Md Tushar, 25, from East Gomdandi of Chattogram's Boalkhali. He was the driver of the affected CNG auto-rickshaw. 

Two other deceased include a two-year-old child. 

Md Nejam Uddin, station master (in-charge) of Jan Ali Railway Station, told TBS that the accident occurred due to the locomaster's negligence.

One of the two CNG auto-rickshaws that was also hit by the train on the bridge. Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin

He said, "The train was supposed to stop 100 yards before the Kalurghat bridge in the Boalkhali section. At that point, it should have signed in at the check post before proceeding slowly across the bridge. However, the locomaster failed to follow any of these protocols and did not stop at the designated location." 

He further explained that trains are supposed to cross the old bridge at a maximum speed of 10 km/h, but the driver appeared to be moving at around 40 km/h, well above the safety limit.

"On the opposite side of the bridge, a vehicle had likely broken down, causing a few others to stop. The railway signalman was waving a red flag to alert the train, but the driver ignored that as well," added Nejam Uddin.

Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin

Md Junayet Kausar, additional superintendent of police, said all injured individuals were rescued and sent to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for treatment. 

Rescue operations are ongoing at the scene, he said.

The Parjatak Express train had departed from Cox's Bazar at 7:45pm and was en route to Chattogram when the collision occurred on the Boalkhali section of the bridge.

Boalkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Rahmat Ullah said, "Fire service teams are carrying out rescue operations. A CNG auto-rickshaw, a pickup, and a motorcycle have been recovered so far. Several other vehicles remain trapped under the train."

Chattogram District Additional Superintendent of Police (DSB) Md Junayet Kausar told TBS that two CNG-run auto-rickshaws, a microbus, two motorcycles, and an ice cream van were crushed by the train.

Probe committee formed

According to railway sources, a four-member probe committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the accident, with Eastern Region Divisional Transport Officer Anisur Rahman as its head. 

The other members include the Divisional Medical Officer (DMO), Divisional Engineer-1 (DEN-1), and the Divisional Mechanical Engineer (DME loco) of the Eastern region. 

Railway officials said the committee has been asked to submit its report by 6 June.