Gate Negligence Blamed in Fatal Rail Crash

A tragic accident at Paduar Bazar railway crossing in Comilla late on Saturday night has claimed the lives of 12 bus passengers, leaving at least 15 others injured. The incident occurred when a passenger bus entered the unguarded crossing and was struck by a Dhaka-bound train, following apparent negligence by the crossing gate staff.

Authorities reported that one gatekeeper fled the scene, prompting the temporary suspension of both responsible personnel, Mehedi Hasan and Helal Uddin. Chattogram Division Manager of Bangladesh Railway, Mostafizur Rahman, confirmed the suspensions and stated that both divisional and zonal investigation committees have been formed to ascertain accountability.

Incident Overview

The collision occurred around 2:45 am at the Dhaka–Chattogram highway section of Paduar Bazar in Comilla Sadar South Upazila. According to local accounts and preliminary investigations by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), the gate was left open, allowing the bus to enter the railway line. The train carried the bus approximately 500 metres before the impact fully halted it.

Rescue operations began at 8:00 am when a relief train arrived from Akhaura, and the derailed train was removed from the site by 10:30 am. Rail traffic resumed after 11:00 am, allowing services like the Mahanagar Probati and Karnaphuli Express to continue their routes.

Site Observations

Law enforcement presence increased on Sunday morning. Investigators noted that:

• The barriers on both sides of the crossing remained intact.
• Broken bus glass and debris were scattered along the tracks.
• Two bus wheels were found approximately 10–12 yards from the railway line.
• Gate staff quarters (E-47) were locked.

A local tea vendor, Abu Taher, stated that four staff typically man the gate at any given time but could not confirm who was on duty during the incident.

Casualty Details

Comilla Medical College Hospital confirmed that 12 bodies, including seven men, two women, and three children, were admitted following the collision. Five patients remain hospitalised, while 18 others have received primary treatment and been discharged.

Official Statements and Response

Comilla District Commissioner Reza Hasan announced that families of the deceased will receive compensation of BDT 25,000 per person. Three separate investigation committees have been formed, including a five-member team headed by Additional District Magistrate Md. Zafar Sadiq Chowdhury.

Fire Service Assistant Director Mohammad Idris indicated that the bus driver’s error may have contributed to the accident, while passengers and locals largely blame gatekeeper negligence. Complaints have also been raised about delayed emergency responses despite multiple calls to 999.

Eyewitnesses reported that local residents, police, and fire service personnel joined in rescue operations shortly after the crash. Injured passengers described the collision as sudden and violent, with some being transported to the hospital in a bloodied state.

The accident has raised urgent questions regarding operational safety at railway crossings, particularly during night hours, and the need for stricter oversight of gatekeeping personnel.