Mirsarai train accident: Another committee holds gateman, microbus driver responsible

Yet another probe body investigating the tragic rail accident in Chattogram's Mirsarai upazila, found the gateman of the rail crossing and driver of the microbus responsible for the accident that killed 13 picnickers.

Earlier, a five-member probe body formed by the eastern region of Bangladesh Railway also held the two responsible for the rail crossing accident.

Additional Chief Engineer (rail track) Arman Hossain, who led the four-member committee formed by the divisional office of Bangladesh Railway, submitted its probe report on Tuesday morning.

Md Jahangir Hossain, general manager of Bangladesh Railway (eastern zone),  said the probe report holds Gateman Saddam Hossain and microbus driver Golam Mostafa responsible for the accident at a rail crossing in Mirsarai on 29 July.

"Gateman Saddam is now in jail. He is not a permanent employee of the railway and was appointed gateman under a project.  The microbus driver died on the spot," he added.

Md Jahangir Hossain said, to avert such tragic accidents in the future the committee has also placed an 11-point recommendation, including installing automated alarms or sirens at rail level crossings.

Thirteen people died and five others were injured when Mohanagar Provati, a speeding express train, rammed into the microbus full of tourists returning home from visiting the Khoiyachora waterfall in the hills of Mirsarai.

The injured are now undergoing treatment at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Earlier, the committee formed by the railway eastern region, in its report submitted on 16 August, recommended the appointment of at least three gatemen at a remote rail crossing.

It also asked the authorities to ensure accommodations for gatemen.