Gatemen Suspended as Cumilla District Admin Provides Aid to Crash Victims

The railway authorities have suspended two gatemen for gross negligence following last night’s horrific train-bus collision at Padua Bazar, as the district administration begins distributing emergency financial assistance to the grieving families.

The accident, which occurred at the Bishwaroad flyover in the Jangalia area of Cumilla Sadar Dakkhin, claimed the lives of 12 people—including seven men, two women, and three children—and left 10 others injured. 

The tragedy unfolded when a Dhaka-bound ‘Chattogram Mail Train’ struck a passenger bus that was attempting to cross the tracks.

Immediate Disciplinary Action

Railway’s Chattogram Divisional Manager, Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan, confirmed today the temporary suspension of two gatemen, identified as Helal Uddin and Mehedi Hasan. 

He emphasized that these suspensions are an initial step and that further "necessary action" will be taken against any personnel found responsible for safety lapses once formal investigations are complete.

Financial Aid and Medical Support

Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md. Reza Hasan announced that the district administration has already initiated the process of providing 25,000 BDT in financial grants to the families of each of the deceased.

"We are taking the treatment of the injured very seriously," the Deputy Commissioner stated during a visit to the scene. 

He confirmed that five individuals remain hospitalized at Cumilla Medical College Hospital, while others have been discharged after receiving primary care. The administration has pledged further assistance to the victims' families should the need arise.

Rescue and Oversight

The rescue operations were supervised directly by the Deputy Commissioner, the Superintendent of Highway Police, and senior railway officials who arrived at the site immediately after the midnight crash. 

The coordination between the district administration and law enforcement continues as the community mourns the significant loss of life, particularly the three children involved in the disaster.