Blaze Aboard Express Train Investigated

A passenger train in Bangladesh’s Chattogram region was forced to resume its journey after a fire broke out while it was in motion, prompting a high-level investigation and temporary disruption of rail services across the line.

The incident occurred early on Thursday morning in the Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong, when the Chattala Express caught fire at approximately 6:30am near the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) gate area in Bhatiari Union. Despite the alarming situation, the train continued operating for a short distance before emergency measures were taken.

CCTV footage later obtained from Faujdarhat Railway Station shows the train passing through the station at around 6:40am with visible flames emerging from one of its compartments. The footage also captured commuters and platform staff reacting immediately, with at least two individuals alerting passengers by shouting warnings.

Damage and operational response

The fire severely damaged the train’s power car—responsible for onboard electricity supply—and an air-conditioned passenger coach. Both affected carriages were later detached and sent to the Chittagong railway workshop for detailed assessment and repair.

Despite the incident, railway authorities managed to reorganise the remaining intact coaches. After temporary adjustments at Kumira Railway Station, the Chattala Express resumed its onward journey to Dhaka at approximately 10:35am, nearly four hours behind schedule.

Service disruptions

The incident caused ripple effects across the network. The Sylhet-bound Paharika Express was held at Faujdarhat Station for around 35 minutes and at Bhatiari for an additional eight minutes. Meanwhile, the Mymensingh-bound Bijoy Express experienced a delay of about 10 minutes due to line congestion and safety precautions.

Timeline of key events

Official response and investigation

Railway officials confirmed that no passengers or their belongings were reported harmed in the incident. However, the cause of the fire remains unknown.

The Eastern Railway authorities have formed a four-member investigation committee, headed by Divisional Transport Officer (DTO) Anisur Rahman, tasked with determining the origin and circumstances of the blaze. The committee has been instructed to submit its findings within three working days.

Divisional Railway Manager Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan stated that further action will be taken based on the investigation report, emphasising that safety procedures will be reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Authorities continue to monitor operations closely as restoration and inspection work proceeds at the Chittagong railway workshop.