At least 13 people were killed and seven others injured when a passenger train collided with a bus at a railway crossing in the Comilla district of Bangladesh early Saturday morning, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.
According to reports from Dhaka, the deceased include eight men, three women, and two children, although their identities have yet to be confirmed.
The emergency department of Comilla Medical College Hospital verified the casualties, while the injured are receiving treatment at various hospitals.
The accident occurred at approximately 3:30am when a mail train travelling from Chattogram to Dhaka struck a passenger bus at the Padua Bazar railway crossing.
The force of the collision was so intense that the train dragged the bus for nearly half a kilometre. Initial reports indicated seven fatalities, but the death toll later rose to 13 as rescue operations continued.
Following the incident, rail communication between Chattogram and other parts of Bangladesh was suspended. Railway authorities have constituted two separate inquiry committees to investigate the cause of the crash.
The divisional manager of Bangladesh Railways in Chattogram said that a relief train was being dispatched from Akhaura to assist in clearing the wreckage and restoring services.
Police officials stated that efforts are underway to identify the victims and determine the circumstances that led to the collision. Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to establish responsibility and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Reporter: Saleem Raza