For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Nine coaches of the Nilsagar Express train, which was carrying Eid-bound passengers to Nilphamari’s Chilahati, have derailed in Bogura, causing injuries to around 50 passengers.
Police said most of the injured were passengers on the roof, bdnews24.com reports.
The accident has also cut off rail connectivity from Dhaka to the north of Bangladesh, leaving passengers at different stations in distress.
Pakshi Railway Superintendent of Police (SP) Mehedi Hasan and Sub-Inspector (SI) Mahfuzur Rahman of Santahar Railway Police Station said the accident occurred around 2pm in Santahar’s Tilakpur.
SI Mahfuzur said that the Nilsagar Express left Dhaka and stopped at Santahar station around 2pm.
“The train derailed shortly after leaving Santahar station. Nine coaches of the train came off the tracks.”
SP Mehedi said around 40-50 passengers on the train suffered mild injuries from the accident. However, no deaths have been reported.
The injured have been admitted to hospitals in Naogaon and Adamdighi. However, the exact number of those injured has yet to be confirmed.
As the area has only a single set of train tracks, other services on the route have been suspended, Mehedi said.
A rescue train has set off for the scene from Ishwardi Junction Rail Station, he added.
Residents reported that railway maintenance was under way around 1:45pm, with red flags and signals in place.
However, they alleged the train "ignored the signal", leading to the collision.
Santahar Station Master Khadija Khanum confirmed the situation, saying: "Line repairs were ongoing with red flags displayed. The accident occurred when the train entered the section regardless. Rail traffic is currently suspended."