Train-bus collision kills 12 in Joypurhat

Twelve people were killed and three others injured as a bus collided with a train in Puranapoil level crossing of the Joypurhat district town on Saturday morning.

Six of the deceased were identified as bus driver Mamunur Rashid, passengers Ramjan Ali, resident of Rangpur sadar upazila's Ichli village, Sarwar Hossain, Arifur Rahman, residents of Panchbibi upazila, Saju Miah of Akkelpur upazila and Babu Miah of Naogaon's Raninagar upazila.

Sirajul Islam, station officer of Joypurhat Fire Service, said that the accident took place around 7am as the Uttara Express train hit the local bus "VIP Paribahan," leaving the 10 people dead on the spot and five others injured.

Among the injured, two died on the way to hospital.

Fire service team is carrying out rescue operation, said the official.

Besides, train communications with the northern regions was suspended due to the accident.

Moniruzzaman, assistant director of fire service and civil defense, said that the rail crossing was open at the time of the accident.

However, it could not be known yet why the gate was open. 

The fire service official said that the train derailed 500m away from the incident place after hitting the bus. 

According to witnesses, the gateman was sleeping at that time. 

Meanwhile, two probe committees have been formed to investigate the accident.

A four-member committee has been formed led by Chief Divisional Transport Officer Nasiruddin and another three-member committee formed led by additional district magistrate Reza Hasan, said Shariful Islam, deputy commissioner.

Besides, the train link was restored around 2pm after about 7 hour disruption.