Fuel train derailment: Rail link still cut after 14hrs, BGB deployed to prevent looting

Rail communication between Sylhet and the
rest of the country remained suspended for more than 14 following the
derailment of an oil-laden train in Habiganj.
As of 11am today
(2 April), rescue operations are ongoing, train services on the Sylhet-Dhaka
and Sylhet-Chattogram routes were not yet resumed. To maintain order and
prevent the looting of spilled oil, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel
have been stationed at the scene.
The incident
occurred last night (1 April) around 9:15pm at Mantala Railway Station, where
at least four wagons of the train went off the tracks. One of the derailed
wagons fell into a roadside ditch.
According to sources, the train, carrying fuel oil from Chattogram to Sylhet,
derailed while passing through the station. Eyewitnesses said several wagons were
badly damaged, with some thrown off the tracks into adjacent land.
Since the
incident, joint efforts involving the Army, BGB (55th Battalion), and local
police was launched to rescue the derailed wagons and restore the railway line.
According to Noapara
Railway Station Master Md Monir Ahmed, at least three major trains have been
cancelled. These include the Dhaka-bound Upaban Express, the Chattogram-bound
Udayan Express, and the Sylhet-bound Paharika Express.
"We have
processed ticket refunds for the affected passengers. While we are working as
fast as possible, it may take several more hours before the lines are clear for
traffic," Ahmed said.
Passengers have been facing severe inconvenience due to the prolonged
suspension of rail services.
Madhabpur Police
Station OC Sohail Rana confirmed that there have been no reported casualties or
injuries resulting from the derailment.
Ataur Rahman Gani,
station master of Mantala, said that a team of railway experts is working
on-site, with efforts underway to partially restore operations by the
afternoon.
Authorities said
efforts are continuing to fully restore rail services as quickly as possible.
Lieutenant Colonel
Tanzilur Rahman, commander of the 55th BGB Battalion, said, "Two of the
derailed wagons have already been uprighted using cranes. Work is currently
underway on two more, while one wagon remains submerged in a canal, which will
take more time to retrieve."
He further noted
that BGB members have already recovered and secured a large quantity of oil in
containers to prevent theft.
"BGB
personnel have been deployed since night to assist civil authorities, maintain
law and order, and prevent theft of the spilt fuel," he added.
















