Train services suspended on Ctg-Cox's Bazar route after coach detaches in Boalkhali

A coach of the Cox's Bazar Express train en route to Dhaka detached mid-journey and remained stuck on the railway tracks near Gomdondi in Chattogram's Boalkhali upazila, disrupting train operations on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route.

While no casualties were reported, the incident has led to the suspension of train movement in both directions.

"The incident took place around 3:15pm when the guard brake coach of the Cox's Bazar Express separated from the rest of the train due to a hook failure shortly after the train crossed Gomdondi Railway Station," Gomdondi Station Master Anwarul Haque told The Business Standard.

"Passengers from the detached coach were safely evacuated, and by around 3:45pm, the rest of the train continued toward Dhaka via Chattogram Railway Station, leaving the isolated coach behind," he said.

"The train had departed from Cox's Bazar at 12:30pm and crossed Gomdondi station at around 3:08pm. The detached coach came to a halt near the station's outer signal area, while the main train stopped about 100 to 150 yards ahead," the station master added.

Railway authorities confirmed that the incident was reported to the control room immediately. An engine is being dispatched to remove the stranded coach, after which normal train operations are expected to resume on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar line.

Due to the obstruction, the Cox's Bazar-bound Prabal Express, scheduled to depart from Chattogram Station at 3:10pm, has been delayed. Another freight train carrying furnace oil for a power plant in Dohazari has also been held back. Uncertainty now looms over train schedules on the Chattogram-Dohazari route as well.

Officials said they are working to resolve the disruption as quickly as possible.