Train with 1,200 passengers narrowly survive accident in Gazipur
NN Online:
A major accident was narrowly avoided on the Tongi-Joydebpur rail route in Gazipur on Sunday when a 10-foot stretch of rail line unexpectedly bent near Dhirasram.
The Chapainawabganj-bound Banalata Express carrying 1,200 passengers was brought to an emergency stop after the driver noticed a red flag signalling danger on the tracks.
Local people said they noticed that a 10-feet long rail track on Dhaka-Mymensingh route was bent down around 2:15pm. At one stage, they informed the matter to the local Railway officials.
In the meantime, a Rajshahi-bound “Banalata Express” train was heading towards Joydebpur via Tongi.
When the train reached Dhirasram Choto Deura, the railway authorities displayed a red flag, forcing the train locomotive master to stop it 100 metres away from the spot.
Twelve hundred passengers on the train escaped the accident following the prompt response of the railway authorities.
Driver of “Banalata Express” train Md Mokhlesur Rahman said he managed to stop the train after noticing the red flag in time.
He also suspected that the rail tracks might have bent down due to the removal of the nut-bolt of the rail tracks.
However, the actual reason behind the incident would be known after investigation.
Joydebpur Railway Junction Station Master Hanif Ali said the authorities concerned suspended one-way rail movement after the incident. However, the other line is operational.