Tragic Train-Bus Collision in Comilla Claims 12 Lives: What Went Wrong?

A tragic train-bus collision in Comilla has resulted in the deaths of 12 people and injuries to 20 others. The incident occurred early Sunday morning when a mail train struck a bus at a level crossing. The impact was severe, dragging the bus for nearly a kilometer. Rescue operations were launched immediately, but many victims succumbed to their injuries later. This accident has raised serious concerns about rail and road safety in Bangladesh, prompting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Authorities are now focused on preventing such tragedies in the future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 22, 2026, 13:34 IST

Devastating Accident in Comilla

Dhaka: A tragic incident occurred early Sunday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals and injuries to 20 more when a mail train collided with a bus at the Padua Bazar level crossing in Comilla, marking one of the most severe rail-road accidents in recent history, as reported by local sources.

The collision took place around 3:00 AM on the heavily trafficked Dhaka–Chittagong route, when the train, heading towards Chittagong, struck the Mamun Special bus that was attempting to cross the tracks.

The force of the impact was so intense that the bus became lodged against the train's engine, being dragged for almost a kilometer before the train finally came to a stop, leaving the vehicle severely damaged and passengers trapped inside.

Authorities confirmed that the fatalities included seven men, three women, and two children.

Local police, under the leadership of Sub-Inspector Saiful Islam from the EPZ outpost of Comilla Sadar South Police Station, provided the initial casualty reports. Rescue operations were promptly initiated by teams comprising army personnel, police, fire service, and Red Crescent members.

Rescuers, along with local residents, worked tirelessly to extricate the injured, who were then transported to Comilla Medical College Hospital for urgent medical attention. Three victims were found at the crash site, while nine others later died from their injuries at the hospital, according to officials.

The accident led to a suspension of train services on the vital Dhaka–Chittagong rail line, halting operations for nearly three hours as emergency teams cleared the wreckage and conducted an investigation. This disruption caused significant delays and inconveniences for both passengers and freight services relying on one of Bangladesh's busiest rail routes.

Bangladesh's record on rail and road safety has come under scrutiny following similar incidents, raising alarms about the security of level crossings and measures to prevent vehicle-train collisions. As authorities investigate the circumstances that led to the bus being on the tracks at the time of the accident, this latest tragedy has once again highlighted the ongoing safety issues at railroad intersections throughout the nation.

Further inquiries are anticipated as officials seek to establish accountability and implement measures to avert such devastating accidents in the future.