A close call

At least 20 passengers received injuries after jumping off their trains as two trains from opposite directions ended up on the same track but managed to avoid a head on collision near Bonarpara railway station in Shaghata Upazila yesterday.

Railway authority has suspended the assistant station master and point man for alleged negligence in performing their duties.

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Akbar Hossain, station master of Bonarpara said at about 11:30am Santaher bound Dolan Champa intercity express train 768 was standing on track one of Bonarpara rail station when the  Korotoa intercity express train coming from the opposite direction entered the same track. This happened because the point man failed to fix the appropriate track.

As the inbound train entered the same track where the other train was standing, the loco master of Korotoa intercity pulled emergency brakes to stop it and came to a standstill just a little away from the Dolan Champa express averting a head on collision.

At least 20 passengers of Korotoa express train meanwhile jumped off fearing a head on collision and were injured when they jumped off the running train.

"I was to get off at Bonarapara station so I was standing near the door. On hearing the hue and cry I witnessed many passengers jumping out of the running train,” said Moyna Begum, a passenger.

Rail authority suspended the on duty assistant station master Ataur Rahman and point man Nur Mohammed for negligence in duties, he added.