Pickup Truck Collision Halts Rail Services

A collision between the Sylhet-bound Paharika Express and a pickup truck in Mirsharai upazila of Chattogram district brought rail services on the Dhaka–Chattogram corridor to a temporary standstill on Sunday morning, though no casualties were reported.

The incident occurred at around 8:55 am in the Middle Sonapahar area of Jorarganj Union. According to railway officials and local residents, the pickup truck was transporting sand and attempting to cross the railway line at an unauthorised point near a hilly stream located on the eastern side of the track. At that moment, the Paharika Express, which had departed from Chattogram and was heading towards Sylhet, struck the vehicle.

Witnesses stated that the truck driver managed to jump clear just before impact, narrowly avoiding injury or death. The force of the collision severely damaged the vehicle, scattering sand across the track area. Despite the accident, the Paharika Express continued its journey without stopping at the scene.

Local resident Habibur Rahman described the incident as sudden and alarming. He reported hearing a loud crash before rushing to the location, where he saw the pickup truck virtually destroyed after being hit by the train.

Railway officials confirmed that train operations along the route were suspended for approximately one hour due to the obstruction and subsequent track inspection. Services were later partially restored using a single line, while full clearance of the Chattogram-bound track remained in progress.

An investigation has been announced by railway authorities, who also indicated that steps will be taken to prevent unauthorised crossings in the area in the future.

Incident Summary

Rail officials further noted that the area is vulnerable due to informal crossing activity linked to nearby sand extraction points. Measures under consideration include stricter monitoring and physical barriers to restrict unauthorised access to the railway corridor.