12 killed as train hits bus at Bangladesh crossing

March 22, 2026

At least 12 people were killed and over 20 others injured after a train collided with a passenger bus in Bangladesh’s Comilla district early Sunday morning. The tragic accident occurred at the Padua Bazar level crossing, a busy rail intersection in the southeastern part of the country.

Authorities confirmed that the collision took place around 3:00 am when a moving train rammed into the bus as it attempted to cross the railway track. The impact was so severe that the bus was dragged nearly a kilometre, leaving it completely mangled.

Victims Include Women and Children

Officials reported that the deceased included men, women, and children, highlighting the scale of the tragedy. Several victims died on the spot, while others succumbed to their injuries after being rushed to nearby hospitals.

Many of the injured are currently undergoing treatment at Comilla Medical College Hospital, with some reported to be in critical condition. Emergency services acted swiftly to transport victims and provide medical assistance.

Rescue Operations and Emergency Response

Soon after the crash, local residents, police, fire service personnel, and members of the Bangladesh Army launched rescue operations. Survivors were pulled from the wreckage of the bus, which had been severely crushed due to the force of the collision.

Eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos and panic, with passengers trapped inside the damaged vehicle. One survivor recounted waking up to a “deafening crash” before losing consciousness amid the devastation.

Possible Cause: Lack of Signal at Crossing

Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident may have been caused by the absence of proper signalling at the railway crossing. Officials indicated that the bus may have entered the track without adequate warning of the approaching train.

Some local reports and witnesses have also alleged negligence by railway gate operators, raising concerns about safety standards at level crossings in the region.

Railway authorities have formed multiple investigation committees to determine the exact cause of the incident and identify accountability.

Disruption to Rail Services

The accident significantly disrupted train operations on the crucial Dhaka–Chittagong route, one of the busiest rail corridors in Bangladesh. Train movement remained suspended for several hours following the crash before services were gradually restored.

The incident comes at a time of increased travel activity, as many people are commuting ahead of festive holidays, placing additional strain on the country’s already stretched transport infrastructure.

Rising Concerns Over Transport Safety

The tragedy has once again highlighted persistent safety issues at railway crossings in Bangladesh. Experts point to inadequate signalling systems, lack of automated barriers, and human error as recurring factors in such accidents.

Authorities are now under pressure to improve infrastructure and enforce stricter safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Comilla train-bus collision stands as one of the deadliest transport accidents in Bangladesh in recent months. With investigations underway, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and implementing safety reforms.

As families mourn the loss of their loved ones, the incident underscores the urgent need for better coordination between road and rail systems to avoid such devastating tragedies.