Comilla, Mar 22 (V7N) – Authorities have formed three separate investigation committees to determine the exact cause of the tragic train-bus collision in Comilla, which left at least 12 people dead and many others injured.

Two of the committees have been constituted by the Bangladesh Railway, while the third has been formed by the district administration. All committees have been instructed to submit their findings within 72 hours.

The committee formed by the district administration consists of five members and is headed by Additional District Magistrate Md. Zafar Sadiq Chowdhury. Other members include officials from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, highway police, railway authorities, and the fire service.

Meanwhile, the railway authorities have set up two separate six-member committees at the divisional and zonal levels to conduct parallel investigations into the incident.

Deadly Collision at Rail Crossing

The accident occurred at around 2:55 am on Saturday at the Paduar Bazar rail crossing, when a passenger bus of Mamun Paribahan, traveling from Chapainawabganj to Noakhali, collided with a Dhaka-bound mail train coming from Chittagong.

The impact of the collision caused heavy casualties, killing 12 passengers on the spot and injuring several others.

Rescue Operations and Aftermath

Following the incident, rail communication on the Chittagong route was temporarily suspended across the country. A relief train from Akhaura joined rescue efforts alongside personnel from the fire service, army, police, and the Rapid Action Battalion.

Rail services were restored around 8:00 am after clearance of the accident site. Authorities have also taken immediate administrative action, dismissing two gatemen responsible for the crossing.

Compensation Announced

Deputy Commissioner Md. Reza Hasan announced financial assistance of Tk 25,000 for each of the families of the deceased.

The incident has raised serious concerns over safety measures at railway crossings, with authorities under pressure to ensure stricter enforcement to prevent similar accidents in the future.

END/SMA/AJ