2023 Dhaka rail collision explained

2023 Dhaka rail collision
Date:October 23, 2023
Time:3:30 p.m. (UTC+6)
Location:Bhairab, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Type:Rear-end collision
Cause:Under investigation; possibly signal error
Trains:2
Deaths:17-20
Injuries:50
Footnotes:List of rail accidents (2020-present)

The 2023 Dhaka rail collision was a train accident involving the collision of a freight train and a passenger train that resulted in the deaths of at least 17.

Accident

Egarosindhur Godhuli Express was heading to Dhaka and had just reached the Kishoreganj District. A cargo train heading to Chattogram was also on the same line.[1]

The collision occurred on Monday, October 23, 2023, 3:30 p.m. when a cargo train rear-ended a passenger train, derailing the two rearmost cars. The impact of the collision overturned one of the cars, trapping many passengers inside of it.[2]

The exact number of deaths in the incident has been placed as either 17 or 20.[3]

Investigation

Initial reports cite that a signal error might have resulted in the freight train colliding with the express.[4]

A probe has since been launched to determine the exact case, but poor rail infrastructure has been cited as a common cause for accidents along this railway. A similar accident in April 2023 occurred nearby, with the cause later being determined as a signal error.[5]

Notes and References

  1. News: Trains collide in central Bangladesh, killing at least 15 and injuring scores of others . February 8, 2023 . Associated Press . October 23, 2023.
  2. News: At least 17 killed in Bangladesh train collision . February 8, 2023 . Al Jazeera . October 23, 2023.
  3. News: Sharif . Marziya . Bangladesh: 20 killed, 50 injured in Dhaka train collision . February 8, 2023 . The Siasat Daily . October 23, 2023.
  4. News: Paul . Ruma . Bangladesh Trains Collide, Killing 17, Wounding Scores -Police . February 8, 2023 . U.S. News . October 23, 2023.
  5. News: Bangladesh: Goods train collides with passenger train killing 17 . February 8, 2024 . BBC . October 23, 2023.