Low speed prevents disaster after train derails in Gafargaon due to track removal

Bangladesh Railway officials say the low speed of a Dhaka-bound passenger train prevented casualties after it derailed in Mymensingh’s Gafargaon.

The locomotive and two carriages of the Agnibina Express ran off the tracks early on Monday morning after sections of the railway line were allegedly removed by miscreants, reports bdnews24.com.

Hashim Uddin, the train’s assistant driver, said fog had reduced visibility, prompting the crew to slow the train significantly as it approached the Gafargaon station.

“We reduced the speed to 20 kilometres per hour because of a risk at the outer signal. That is why there was no major damage,” he said.

"The derailment happened about 100 yards before the stopping point. The engine and two carriages came off the tracks. After getting off, we saw that about 20 metres of track plates had been removed and placed elsewhere,” he added.

Railway officials said more than 1,000 passengers were on board at the time.

A railway relief train was sent from Dhaka, and recovery operations were continuing, said divisional engineer Siraj Uddollah, who added that the line was expected to reopen later in the day.

Local resident Ashraful Islam said there was a loud noise at the time of the incident, prompting passengers to rush out of the train.

“An ordinary person wouldn't [remove the track plates]. A much bigger disaster could have taken place. Those who removed the rail plates are enemies of the state. They should be identified and brought to justice,” he said.

Another local resident, Rafiqul Islam, claimed tensions were running high in the area following the announcement of party nominations for the Mymensingh-10 (Gafargaon) constituency over the weekend and alleged that Awami League supporters may have carried out the act.

Railway's Divisional Engineer Siraj Uddollah said a relief train had arrived from Dhaka and rescue operations were under way.

“The accident happened because the rail plates were removed. We expect the recovery work to be completed soon,” he said.

On Saturday, Akhtaruzzaman Bachchu secured the BNP's ticket for the Mymensingh-10 (Gafargaon) constituency. Following the announcement, supporters of leaders who were overlooked staged protests. Since then, incidents of railway blockades and arson attacks have been reported in the area.