Despite seven coaches of the Mohanganj Express derailing at Bankharia (Chilai river) bridge of Gazipur on Dhaka-Mymensingh railway early Wednesday, the casualties were kept to a minimum due to the low speed of the train at the time.

One fatality was reported in the accident – Aslam, 35, a chicken trader of the Gafargaon upazila area of Mymensingh. At least 10 people were injured in the incident.

Passengers recounted the horrifying experience as the train overturned after crossing the Rajendrapur railway station in Gazipur.

Nurul Islam, a resident of Purbadhala upazila of Netrakona, was on the train with his wife, heading to Dhaka for work. He highlighted that the incident occurred around 4:30am or 5am, and the passengers realized something was wrong when they heard loud noises.

Rafiqul Islam, another passenger, was in the compartment behind the engine. The train was moving slowly due to dense fog. He woke up to a sudden loud noise and witnessed several coaches lying on the low ground. Passengers managed to escape through windows, avoiding more serious injuries.

Witnesses emphasized that the low speed of the train played a crucial role in minimizing casualties. The deceased, Aslam, was sitting in the middle of the engine compartment.

Concerns were raised about the miscreants who cut the railway line, leading to the derailment. Passengers questioned how such an act was possible and expressed gratitude that the consequences were not more severe.

In response to the incident, train services on the Dhaka-Mymensingh-Dhaka route have been temporarily suspended. However, Bangladesh Railway has implemented route changes to ensure uninterrupted travel for Mymensingh region trains from Dhaka, taking an alternative route via Dhaka-Airport-Tongi-Bhairab-Kishoreganj-Mymensingh.

A five-member investigation committee, led by Additional district Magistrate Humayun Kabir, has been formed to examine the incident. The committee is expected to submit its report within the next three working days.