As many as five separate inquiries have been opened over the fatal train crash in Brahmanbaria, Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan told the media while visiting the scene on Tuesday (Nov 12).
At least 16 people were killed and more than 50 injured when two trains collided head-on near the at the district's Kasba Upazila in the early hours.
Chattogram-bound Udayan Express from Sylhet and Dhaka-bound Turna Nishita from Chattogram collided near the Mondobhag Railway Station around 3:30am, according to officials.
According to locals, Turna Nishitha allegedly disregarded the rail traffic signal to stop at Mondobag railway station while Udayan Express shifted to the same track. Three coaches of Udayan Express have been smashed.
Earlier in the day, Railways Secretary Mohammad Mofazzel Hossain told reporters at the spot, “The family of each deceased will receive a compensation of Tk 25,000 from the Brahmanbaria district administration. Rescue operation is ongoing.”
Responding to the allegation of disregarding the rail traffic signals, he said, “No conclusion can be drawn before probe.”
A temporary control room has been set at Bayek Shikkha Shanad High School near the spot. Fire service, police, RAB, railways authority and locals are rescuing victims.