1 killed in Chittagong freight train collision

A freight lorry entered the railway line in the Sagarika area of ​​Chittagong and hit the engine of a moving train. The lorry overturned and the train’s engine and a bogie derailed. It is reported that one person was crushed under the lorry in the accident. The accident occurred in the Sagarika Stadium Railgate area of ​​the city early on Tuesday (October 28). Freight train movement on that route has been suspended since the accident. However, there was no disruption in passenger train movement.
It is learned that the deceased has been identified as Shamsul Hai (60). He is a resident of Didar Colony in Pahartali, Chittagong city. He worked as a security guard at a shop in that area. He died on the spot in the accident. In addition, the train’s locomaster Monirul Islam and assistant locomaster Md. Alamgir were injured and were given first aid. Meanwhile, rescue trains are reportedly coming from Pahartali in Chittagong and Laksam in Comilla to recover the train’s engine and bogie after the accident.
According to railway information, a freight train left Chittagong Goods Port Yard (CGPY) for Dhaka at 4:20 am. After the train reached Sagarika area, a freight lorry entered the railway track and hit the train’s engine hard. As a result, the train’s engine overturned and fell off the railway track and one bogie derailed. After the lorry overturned, a person named Shamsul Hai was crushed to death under the lorry. Local residents gathered at the scene since morning after the incident. A shadow of grief descended on the locals, including the family of the deceased. After the accident, the remaining bogies of the freight train were brought to CGPY station.
Railway officials told us that the accident occurred due to the negligence of the gateman. The gate was open in Sagarika area. As a result, the speeding lorry entered the railway track. The lorry hit the train engine directly due to the gateman’s failure to obey the signal. Anisur Rahman, Divisional Transport Officer of the Eastern Railway, said, “The accident occurred due to the gateman’s negligence and the gate being open.”
OC of Chittagong Railway Police Station Shahidul Islam told us, “Freight train movement has been stopped due to the accident caused by the lorry. However, there was no problem in passenger train movement. Because this line is used only for freight trains and container transport.”