A tractor driver was seriously injured after a collision between the Dhaka-bound Kalni Express and a tractor at a railway crossing in the Bharaura Tea Estate area of Srimangal upazila in Moulvibazar on Monday morning.

The accident occurred around 8:30am when the tractor, driven by 32-year-old Abdul Kaiyum Titu, was transporting tea garden workers across the railway crossing.

According to local sources, the tractor was crossing the track when the Sylhet-to-Dhaka Kalni Express struck it with considerable force. The impact completely crushed the front engine section of the vehicle and separated it from the rear carriage. Titu managed to jump clear moments before the collision, narrowly escaping death, but sustained serious injuries.

Selim Reza, Deputy General Manager of Ispahani Jerin Tea Estate, said the injured driver was initially treated at the estate hospital. He was later taken to Srimangal Upazila Health Complex, from where doctors referred him to Moulvibazar Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment.

Reza alleged that the railway crossing gate had not been lowered and that no gateman was present at the site when the accident occurred.

However, Railway Divisional Engineer-2 of Dhaka Division, Md Ahsan Habib, who visited the scene on Monday, rejected the allegation. He said the gateman was on duty at the time of the accident and left the site after locking the gate. The matter is currently under investigation.

He added that the collision caused extensive damage to the crossing's boom barrier, creating safety concerns and resulting in losses for the railway authorities. Repair work is being undertaken on an urgent basis. He also noted that gatemen are monitored through a central monitoring system and that the incident would be thoroughly reviewed.

Assistant Executive Engineer (Sylhet) Md Sohag said the gateman lowered the gate too late as the train approached, allowing the tractor to enter the crossing moments before impact.

"The gateman, Md Imrul, has been temporarily suspended for negligence of duty. If the investigation committee finds him responsible, further disciplinary action, including permanent dismissal, may be taken," he said.

Officer-in-Charge of Sreemangal Railway Police Station, Md Jahangir Alam, said an investigation had already begun to determine the exact cause of the accident and that legal and administrative actions would be taken based on the findings.

Railway authorities have formed an inquiry committee to investigate the incident and identify those responsible.

Transport and railway safety experts believe that introducing interlocking gate systems at busy railway crossings could significantly reduce such accidents.

They argue that automated systems would minimize human error and negligence, ensuring safer rail-road crossings across the country.