15 Killed in Separate Early Morning Highway Disasters in Cumilla and Feni

A black Sunday dawned on the Dhaka-Chattogram route as two horrific road and rail accidents claimed at least 15 lives and left dozens injured in the early hours of the morning. 

The tragedies, occurring within an hour of each other, have prompted multiple high-level investigations into safety lapses and driver negligence.

Train Crushes Bus at Cumilla Level Crossing, 12 Dead

In the deadliest incident, at least 12 people—including seven men, three women, and two children—were killed when a Dhaka-bound train slammed into a "Mamun Special" bus at the Padua Bazar level crossing in Cumilla around 2:45 am.

Witnesses described a harrowing scene as the bus became wedged against the train's engine and was dragged for nearly one kilometer before the locomotive could come to a halt. 

Rescuers from the Army, Police, Fire Service, and Red Crescent rushed to the spot following the screams of trapped passengers. While three bodies were recovered at the scene, nine others succumbed to their injuries at Cumilla Medical College Hospital.

In response, the railway authorities have suspended two gatemen for negligence. 

Three separate probe committees—including a divisional and a zonal committee from the railway, and a five-member team led by the Additional District Magistrate—have been tasked with submitting findings within three working days. 

Train movement on the strategic Dhaka-Chattogram route was suspended for three hours following the crash.

Chain Collision in Feni Leaves 3 Dead

Just an hour later, at approximately 3:45 am, a bizarre and tragic chain collision at Rampur on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Feni left three people dead. 

According to Mohipal Highway Police, the incident began when a "Shyamoli Paribahan" bus hit an ambulance from behind near a bridge under repair.

An altercation between the drivers of the bus and the ambulance led to a localized traffic snarl. As a crowd gathered during the dispute, a speeding "Doel Paribahan" bus ploughed through the people and stationary vehicles, triggering a massive chain reaction. The victims include a motorcyclist, a bus supervisor, and a passenger.

Deputy Commissioner Reza Hasan and senior highway police officials visited the accident sites to coordinate relief. 

The local administration has already begun providing financial assistance to the families of the deceased. 

Investigators are currently examining whether poor visibility, faulty signaling, or extreme driver fatigue during the pre-dawn hours contributed to the high death toll on the nation's busiest transport artery.

With Inputs from UNB