Over 100 injured as Nilsagar Express derails near Bogura, rail services to north suspended

At least 112 passengers were injured after nine coaches of the intercity train Nilsagar Express derailed near Santahar Junction in Bogura this afternoon (18 March), forcing the suspension of rail services on key northern routes.

The train, numbered 765 and travelling from Dhaka to Chilahati, went off the tracks near the Bagbari area around 2:30pm, according to police and railway officials.

Witnesses described the incident as a severe accident, reportedly occurring after the train ignored a signal and entered a maintenance zone.

Bogura Superintendent of Police Mirza Syem Mahmud visited the site and confirmed that 112 passengers were injured. Of them, 22 were admitted to Naogaon Sadar Hospital and Adamdighi Upazila Health Complex, while others received primary treatment and were later discharged.

Following the incident, train services on the Dhaka-Ishwardi-Dinajpur-Panchagarh route were completely suspended, effectively cutting off northern regions from the capital by rail.

SP Mirza said officers remain on standby to ensure safety, with support available from Naogaon district police if necessary.

Rail authorities said train services on the northern routes are likely to resume on Thursday, by afternoon.

Chief Engineer of Western Railway Ahmed Hossain Masum said a four-member committee has been formed to investigate the derailment. 

Headed by the chief transportation officer, the other committee members include officials from mechanical, engineering, and signal departments.

"Drivers are informed through messages while operating trains, and they are expected to follow those instructions. We are examining whether there was any negligence," the chief engineer told TBS.

Asked when train services might resume, Masum said repair works are underway and rescue operations for the train have begun. "We expect the situation to be fully resolved by tomorrow," he said.

Railway authorities are also preparing a temporary "transshipment plan" for passengers from five affected districts along the route.

"We are trying to arrange alternative transport, likely by road to another station," he said.

Until normal rail services resume, passengers travelling from Dhaka to Nilphamari, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Panchagarh, and Joypurhat will have to change trains or use alternative transport to reach their destinations, he added.

According to rail authorities, relief trains from Ishwardi and Parbatipur have been dispatched to carry out rescue operations, reports UNB last night.

Train movement from Dhaka in the evening and at night is expected to continue, although operations on the affected route may face disruption, the authorities said.

Chilahati Express, Drutojan Express, and Kurigram Express are likely to depart Dhaka on schedule if the salvage work is completed in time. However, Kurigram Express may be diverted via an alternative route from Santahar if the line is not cleared, while Drutojan Express could face delays en route.

Meanwhile, Nil Sagar Express and Ekota Express scheduled to leave Dhaka on Thursday morning may depart late, the officials said.

Train reportedly entered maintenance zone

Train operator Sabuj Saudagar said the train was travelling at around 35 kilometres per hour at the time of the incident.

"While attempting to stop, multiple coaches derailed, throwing more than a hundred passengers from the roof onto the ground," he said. "Many sustained serious injuries and were rescued by locals before being taken to hospitals."

Railway officials and local residents said the accident occurred around 2:30pm between Santahar and Chhatiangram stations.

According to railway police and local sources, the Nilsagar Express departed Santahar Junction around 2pm after a scheduled stop. Shortly after resuming its journey, at approximately 2:40pm, several coaches derailed with a loud noise near a bridge south of Chhatiangram station.

Railway authorities said maintenance work was underway at the site and red flags had been placed as warning signals in line with safety protocols. However, officials said heavy overcrowding, including passengers sitting on the engine and roof, may have obstructed the driver's view of the signals.

A local resident, Abu Bakkar Siddique, said railway workers had been repairing the tracks since morning, and warning flags were placed on both sides of the line.

"Other trains complied with the signals, but the Nilsagar Express reportedly ignored them and entered the repair zone at speed," he said.

He added that many victims suffered broken limbs and head injuries in the accident.

PM closely monitoring situation

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the local administration to take necessary steps to minimise damage and reduce the suffering of passengers after a train carrying Eid holidaymakers derailed in Santahar of Bogura.

"The prime minister spoke to the Bogura deputy commissioner and superintendent of police in the evening to learn about the situation on the ground," said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

He said Tarique instructed the authorities to quickly carry out rescue operations and take steps to ensure that passengers can reach their destinations promptly and without difficulty.

Rumon said the prime minister, immediately after receiving news of the accident, contacted the local administration to get updates.

He also directed that injured passengers be given prompt and proper medical treatment.

Rumon said the prime minister also asked the authorities to ensure the quick removal of the derailed train to restore rail communication, and arranging alternative transport to allow stranded passengers to continue their journeys.

The Prime Minister is closely monitoring the situation, particularly given his deep-rooted ties to Bogura, which is his home district on his father's side.