Train leaves behind 13 coaches stranded on a bridge in Netrokona

A mechanical failure caused the Mohanganj Express to split mid-journey yesterday evening (18 May), leaving most of its coaches stranded on a bridge in the Chollisha area of Netrokona.

The locomotive, with only one coach attached, continued to Netrokona Railway Station, leaving 13 coaches behind.

The incident occurred around 7:15pm, shortly after the intercity train departed Shyamganj station for Mohanganj. No casualties were reported.

According to railway officials, a spring connecting the engine to the remaining coaches snapped while crossing the Mogra River bridge on the Netrokona–Mymensingh line.

The dining and passenger coaches remained on the bridge while the engine and one coach reached Netrokona station.

Netrokona town bound passengers on the train found alternative transport, while passengers bound for Barohatta and Mohanganj were forced to wait at the site.

A relief engine from Mymensingh, along with the locomotive that had earlier reached Netrokona, arrived at the stranded coaches at around 11:45pm. Train services resumed after four hours.

This delayed the return service of the Mohanganj Express to Dhaka, affecting both departing and incoming passengers.

Passengers on the stranded coaches expressed frustration.

Mosharraf Hossain Sultan, a Barhatta-bound passenger who had just arrived from Oman to Dhaka that day, said, "Fear gripped the Mohanganj-bound passengers on the train after it stopped on the bridge. We had to wait in a dangerous place for four hours while 13 coaches stood still on the tracks."

"The relief train from Mymensingh was so delayed—if it takes four hours for an engine to come, there is no dignity left for people," he added.

Another passenger, Fatema, expressed her frustration, saying, "Everyone in this country is doing whatever they want. [Authorities] have no responsibility towards the common people."

Train Director Zahid Hossain said, "Everything was going well, but the train jolted at Chollisha and stopped on the bridge. However, we tried our best with everyone's help."

Nazrul Islam, booking assistant at Netrokona main station, said the disruption was due to a sudden mechanical issue.

"The train arrived at Netrokona at the time it was scheduled to leave for Dhaka. It takes another one and a half to two hours to reach Mohanganj and return. However, the schedule should return to normal by [Sunday]," he added.

Notably, the Netrakona police superintendent could not be reached for comment on passenger safety.