3 Karnaphuli Express coaches derail in Cumilla, hundreds narrowly escape major disaster
Train services have been suspended on the route.
Hundreds of passengers narrowly escaped a major disaster after three coaches of the Karnaphuli Express derailed near Naoti Railway Station in Nangalkot, Cumilla, today (21 October).
The accident occurred around 12:30pm, disrupting train services on the Dhaka-bound line and leaving several passengers with minor injuries.
Jamal Hossain, station master at Nangalkot Railway Station, said he had been informed of the accident but could not confirm the number of casualties.
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A rescue train was expected to reach the site shortly, he added.
Several passengers said the train had left Nangalkot station shortly after 12:20pm and was travelling faster than usual. After passing Naoti station, three coaches suddenly went off the rails.
They said some people suffered minor injuries to different parts of their bodies, including their heads, while trying to get off the train.
Nahida Akter, a passenger, said they suddenly heard a loud noise and then their coach suddenly derailed, causing passengers to fall against one another. Several passengers got trampled, she said.
"When we hurriedly got off the train, we saw smoke coming out," she added.
