The engine and nine coaches of the Dhaka-bound Nilsagar Express train have derailed, leaving more than fifty passengers injured, according to the Pakshi Railway Control Room.
The incident occurred around 2:30pm on Wednesday at a location adjacent to Tilakpur station, between Santahar and Akkelpur. Railway communication between Dhaka and Nilphamari, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, and Joypurhat has been suspended. A three-member investigation committee has been formed.
According to railway sources, the train’s engine along with nine coaches derailed. Several coaches tilted over, while some others derailed but did not completely overturn.
Local sources claimed that repair work was ongoing on that line at the time of the accident, and workers were laying stones. It is suspected that the accident may have occurred due to a signal malfunction or misunderstanding.
Eyewitnesses reported that the train was crowded with passengers heading home for Eid. Many passengers were traveling on the roof. At least 15 people were injured while trying to get down quickly during the derailment. In total, around 50 passengers were injured, but no fatalities have been reported so far. The injured received local medical treatment.
Sub-Inspector (SI) Mahfuzur Rahman of Santahar Railway Police Station informed that the Nilsagar Express, which departed from Dhaka, took a break at Santahar station around 2pm. Shortly after leaving Santahar station, the train derailed.
The SI went on to add that nine coaches of the train were derailed, with no reports of death received so far. Many people were injured after falling from the roof.
Santahar Railway Station Master Khadiza Khatun said two rescue trains are arriving from Ishwardi in Pabna and Parbatipur in Dinajpur to recover the derailed coaches.
Bogura Railway Station Master Sajedur Rahman Saju said it may take 10 to 12 hours for train services to return to normal.
