Bangladesh train crash kills 17, injures over 100

A tragic train collision in the eastern city of Bhairab, Bangladesh has left at least 17 people dead and more than 100 injured with officials fearing that the death toll may rise.

The incident occurred when a freight train collided with a passenger train travelling in the opposite direction, resulting in the derailment of two passenger carriages.

Sadiqur Rahman, a government administrator in Bhairab, confirmed the tragic outcome, stating that 17 bodies have been recovered, and over 100 individuals sustained injuries.

He also expressed concern that the death toll could increase as rescuers are still working to extricate bodies from under the overturned coaches.

In response to the disaster, a rescue train equipped with cranes is en route to the accident site to assist with the recovery efforts. Local residents and volunteers rushed to the scene, many of them in tears, searching for their loved ones and offering help.

The collision was a result of one train entering the same track as the other, according to Rahman. Video footage from the private Channel 24 depicted a large crowd of people at the scene, some in distress as they sought information about their relatives.

Nazmul Haque, a volunteer from the Red Crescent, reported that they had managed to rescue at least two individuals from the overturned coaches. Various response teams, including the fire service, police, and the elite Rapid Action Battalion security force, are actively involved in the emergency response efforts.

Following the incident, Bangladeshi authorities have initiated two investigations to determine the cause of the collision. Appeals for blood donations have also been made to address the needs of the injured.

Train accidents are regrettably common in Bangladesh, often attributed to factors such as poor signalling, negligence, outdated railway infrastructure, and old tracks.