Swapan Kumar Singh :

BRAHMANBARIA, June 4: A passenger microbus was mangled and thrown into a roadside ditch after being hit by the intercity Jayantika Express at an unauthorized railway crossing near Paghachong Railway Station in Brahmanbaria on Thursday afternoon. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as the driver and passengers managed to evacuate the vehicle moments before the collision.

The accident occurred around 2:00 pm near Paghachong Railway Station under Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila.

According to eyewitnesses and railway sources, the Sylhet-bound Jayantika Express was passing through the area when a passenger microbus attempted to cross the railway track through an unauthorized level crossing. The vehicle reportedly became stuck on the tracks, prompting the driver and passengers to quickly abandon it after noticing the approaching train.

The train subsequently struck the microbus with considerable force, crushing the vehicle and hurling it into a nearby ditch.

Confirming the incident, Mohammad Shah Alam, in-charge of the Brahmanbaria Railway Police Outpost, said railway police rushed to the scene immediately after receiving the information.

"We have started the process of recovering the damaged microbus. No injuries or fatalities have been reported so far," he said.

Acting Station Master of Brahmanbaria, Mohammad Shakir Jahan, said the Jayantika Express collided with the microbus, causing it to be severely damaged and thrown off the track area.

"Fortunately, there was no loss of life," he added.

Paghachong Railway Station Master Mohammad Humayun Kabir said the accident took place at an unauthorized crossing where warning signs clearly indicate that there is no gateman on duty and that road users must cross at their own risk.

"The driver ignored the warning and attempted to cross the railway line, which led to the incident," he said.

Kabir also noted that local residents have long been demanding the appointment of a gateman at the crossing.

"If a permanent gateman is deployed at the location, similar accidents can be prevented to a large extent in the future," he added.

Although the accident caused temporary concern among local residents, train operations remained uninterrupted. The Jayantika Express continued its journey towards Sylhet after the incident.

Railway authorities are also examining whether the train sustained any damage during the collision.

Residents of the area alleged that several unprotected and unauthorized railway crossings across the district have become increasingly hazardous. They urged the authorities to strengthen safety measures and raise public awareness to prevent more serious accidents in the future.