Train Collision Kills Trolley Driver in Jhenaidah

A tragic railway accident in Jhenaidah district has claimed the life of a trolley driver after a passenger train collided with his vehicle at an unguarded railway crossing on Sunday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. in the Borobamonadaha area of Kotchandpur municipality, raising renewed concerns among local residents about the dangers posed by unprotected railway crossings in rural regions.

The deceased, identified as Alauddin, aged 35, was the son of Moslem Uddin from Ishwarba village in Kaliganj subdistrict. According to family members and neighbours, Alauddin worked as a trolley driver transporting construction materials, particularly bricks, from nearby brick kilns to surrounding villages and marketplaces. His sudden death has left his family in deep grief, as he was the primary earner supporting his household.

Witnesses reported that early on Sunday morning Alauddin had collected a load of bricks from a local brick kiln owned by Khokon Mia in Ishwarba village. He transported the bricks using a small motorised trolley to Malithapara village in the Borobamonadaha area. After delivering the bricks, he began his return journey towards the brick kiln.

While attempting to cross the railway line at the Borobamonadaha crossing, the trolley moved onto the track just as a passenger train approached. The train involved in the collision was the Sundarban intercity service travelling from Rajshahi towards Khulna. Witnesses stated that the train was moving at considerable speed and that the driver sounded the horn repeatedly upon noticing the trolley on the track. However, the distance was too short to prevent a collision.

The powerful impact crushed the trolley and threw Alauddin from the vehicle. He sustained severe injuries and was found lying beside the railway line shortly after the crash. Local residents rushed to the scene and quickly transported him to the Kotchandpur Upazila Health Complex for emergency treatment. Unfortunately, the attending physician in the emergency department declared him dead shortly after arrival.

The accident has triggered strong reactions among residents of the area, many of whom claim that the Borobamonadaha railway crossing has long been hazardous due to the absence of safety measures. According to locals, there is no gate, signal barrier, or designated guard at the crossing, forcing villagers, farmers, and transport workers to rely solely on their own judgement when crossing the tracks.

Community members have stated that several near misses and minor incidents have occurred at the same location in the past. They argue that the growing movement of agricultural vehicles, motorcycles, and small transport trolleys across the railway line increases the likelihood of accidents.

Local residents have urged railway authorities and administrative officials to take immediate steps to improve safety at the crossing. Suggested measures include the installation of protective gates, warning signals, and the appointment of trained crossing attendants to monitor traffic and prevent vehicles from entering the track when trains are approaching.

Authorities have reportedly been informed about the incident, and local law enforcement officials have acknowledged the complaints raised by residents. An initial inquiry is expected to review the circumstances of the collision and assess whether further safety measures are required.

Below is a summary of the key details related to the incident:

The tragic death of Alauddin has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved railway safety in rural Bangladesh. Residents hope that the incident will prompt authorities to take concrete action so that similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.