Upabon Express Catches Fire: Rail Links to Sylhet Suspended

Rail communication between Sylhet and the rest of the country was halted on Tuesday morning after a fire broke out on the Dhaka-bound Upabon Express.

The incident occurred around 6:00 AM on March 31 in the Purba Kalipur area of Shamshernagar, located under Kamalganj Upazila in Moulvibazar.

The train was traveling between the Bhanugach and Shamshernagar railway stations when the fire started.

Cause of the Fire
According to preliminary reports, the fire originated from a lubricant (mobil) leak in the locomotive engine while the train was in motion. As flames quickly spread through the engine, the driver brought the train to an immediate halt.

The sudden stop and sight of smoke triggered widespread panic among the hundreds of passengers on board. Fortunately, no major casualties or injuries have been reported.

Recovery Operations
Kulaura Station Master Roman Ahmed confirmed the incident and stated that a rescue operation is underway.

"An alternative engine from Sylhet is expected to arrive shortly to tow the train and clear the tracks," Ahmed said.

Impact on Commuters
While the fire caused significant distress and travel delays for hundreds of Sylhet-bound passengers, the Station Master noted that there has been no major disruption to the overall train schedule yet.

Officials expect services to resume as soon as the affected train is moved to a siding.