Salvage trains from Dhaka and Pakshi conducting rescue operation of the derailed train on Bangabandhu Bridge over Jamuna River since early hours of Monday. Bangladesh Railway general manager of western zone Abdul Awal Bhuiyan said the salvage operation might complete by the evening. Rail communication will be normal by that time, he added.
The railway ministry formed a 4-member inquiry committee on Monday morning, headed by ADGI Amjad Hossain, to ascertain the reason behind the Sunday night’s train accident on the Bangabandhu Bridge.
Locals said the commuter train; ‘Drutojan Express’ heading towards Dinajpur from Dhaka faced a stormy weather when it reached near pillar no. 7 of the bridge over the Jamuna River about 11:15pm on Sunday night and then nine of its coaches derailed.
However, there was no casualty in the incident. A violent storm was sweeping the area when the derailment occurred.
Railway Minister Mujibul Haque gave order to form the inquiry committee after visiting the accident-porn area on the Bangabandhu Bridge early Monday.
The committee was asked to submit its report within next three days.
Other members of the committee are ADG Shah Jahir Islam, GM (Railway West) Awal and ADRS Khalilur Rahman.
Earlier, the rail minister reached the Bangabandhu Bridge from Dhaka at about 3:10am and ordered to form the inquiry committee.
The minister told the journalists on the spot that the accident occurred due to a violent storm.
Railway Ministry Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, Director General of Bangladesh Railway Tofazzal Hosain and senior officers concerned accompanied the minister.
Following the incident, train communications were disrupted between Dhaka and northern districts.