Tragedy struck in Ullapara, Sirajganj, on Thursday afternoon when two young men lost their lives while admiring the vibrant red flowers of the Shimul (Silk Cotton) trees along the Ghātina railway bridge on the Ishwardi–Dhaka rail line. The accident occurred around 2:00 pm, highlighting the dangers of venturing onto active railway infrastructure.
The deceased have been identified as:
| Name | Age | Village | Father’s Name | Upazila |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfi Sani | 18 | Delua | Abdul Latif | Belkuchi |
| Faisal | 19 | Dhukuria Bera | Akhtar Hossain | Belkuchi |
Local sources reported that along the eastern bank of the Karatoya River, a stretch of approximately half a kilometre beside the railway is lined with Shimul trees that burst into bright red blooms during the season. The natural beauty attracts numerous visitors from Ullapara and neighbouring areas each day. Many of them climb onto the railway bridge to take photographs and selfies, despite the obvious hazards.
On the day of the incident, Sani and Faisal travelled to the site on a motorcycle. While standing on the Ghātina railway bridge taking selfies, they were struck by the Intercity Rangpur Express, which was travelling from Dhaka to Rangpur. Sani was killed instantly at the scene. Faisal, who sustained severe injuries, was rescued by local residents and rushed to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Ullapara Model Police Station’s Sub-Inspector (SI) Mokhlesur Rahman confirmed that the bodies were examined at the site and that further legal procedures will be carried out in coordination with the Railway Police.
Farid Ahmed, General Manager of Western Railway, described the incident as “deeply regrettable.” He emphasised that climbing onto railway bridges or taking photographs on the tracks is extremely dangerous. “Measures will be taken in the future to prevent similar accidents,” he added.
Safety experts note that railway tracks and bridges should never be treated as tourist attractions, regardless of nearby natural beauty. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by combining scenic appreciation with railway infrastructure. Authorities are urged to increase public awareness campaigns and implement barriers or warning signage at hazardous locations to prevent further fatalities.
Residents of the area expressed sorrow and concern over the lack of safety measures. Many stated that although the Shimul blossoms are a seasonal highlight, the thrill of photographing them should never outweigh basic precautions.
This heartbreaking event underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness when enjoying natural spectacles in proximity to active railways.
