3 Killed as Train Hits Vehicles on Kalurghat Bridge

Multiple CNG-powered autorickshaws and motorcycles were crushed after being hit by a Dhaka-bound Tourist Express train on the Kalurghat Bridge in Chattogram. At least three people have died and several have been injured.

The accident occurred around 10:30 PM on Thursday (June 5) on the Boalkhali side of the bridge. Among the deceased is an autorickshaw driver named Tushar, who hails from Boalkhali Upazila.

Local residents reported that the train, traveling at high speed, struck several autorickshaws and motorcycles, completely mangling them. The fire service is currently conducting a rescue operation at the scene. So far, five people have been admitted to Chattogram Medical College (CMC) Hospital. Among them, three have been identified as Asif Uddin Bappy, Asma Ahmed, and Anju Ara.

According to local and eyewitness sources, the Tourist Express train departed from Cox's Bazar for Dhaka at 7:45 PM. A signal was given for the train as it was crossing the Kalurghat Bridge from the Boalkhali side towards the city. However, several small vehicles, including autorickshaws and motorcycles, went onto the bridge from the opposite direction, disregarding the signal. This resulted in a collision with the fast-approaching train.

An eyewitness named Abdul Mannan stated that the Kalurghat Bridge is one-way. Vehicle movement stops when a train is passing. Vehicles, including CNG autorickshaws, were signaled not to go onto the bridge because a train was coming. Despite this, the vehicles ignored the signal and went onto the bridge. When the train approached from the other end, a head-on collision occurred, crushing several vehicles. Passengers in these vehicles were among the casualties.

Regarding the matter, Azam Uddin, Assistant Station Master of Gumdandi Railway Station, stated that the train went onto the bridge at high speed. There were CNG-powered autorickshaws and motorcycles on the bridge. He added that one vehicle had broken down on the bridge, preventing all vehicles from getting off.

When asked if the train driver had disregarded the signal, he said that the rule is for the train to stop at the eastern end. Then, it should proceed onto the bridge after receiving a signal from the lineman. However, he claimed that the train driver did not follow this rule and went onto the bridge at high speed. As a result of vehicles coming from the opposite direction, several people were killed and injured.

Aminul Islam, a firefighter at Kalurghat Fire Station, confirmed the incident, stating that they received news of the accident around 10:45 PM. Two units from their station, including ambulances, have reached the scene. He also mentioned that rescue operations for the injured and deceased are ongoing.

When inquired about the matter, Sub-Inspector (SI) Alauddin Talukder of the police outpost at Chattogram Medical College (CMC) Hospital stated that five injured people rescued from Kalurghat have been brought to the hospital. He added that they have been admitted to the casualty unit.

Golam Sarwar, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Boalkhali Police Station, confirmed the accident, stating that at least four vehicles were on the bridge. However, he mentioned that one person died due to the train collision.

When asked about the incident, Chattogram Railway Police Superintendent Shakila Soltana said that there was a collision between the train and an autorickshaw, a tom-tom (another type of small vehicle), and a pickup truck. She confirmed that one child was killed and another person was seriously injured.