United News of Bangladesh

At least 12 people were killed and five others injured as a train crashed into a bus on Padua Bazar level crossing in Cumilla early Sunday. Among the deceased were seven men, three women and two children, said Assistant Director of Cumilla Fire Service Mohammad Idris. The identities of the deceased could not be known yet. On information, members of the army, police, fire service and Red Crescent rushed to the spot and carried out rescue operations. Witnesses and fire service officials said when Chattogram-bound bus, named Mamun Special, was crossing the level crossing at Padua Bazar around 3:00am a Dhaka-bound train from Chattogram hit the vehicle. The bus became stuck with the engine of the train and was dragged for around one kilometre before the train came to a halt, leaving the vehicle mangled. 12 killed as train hits bus in Cumilla Locals and rescuers rushed to the scene following screams of passengers and recovered the injured, who were taken to Cumilla Medical College Hospital. Fire Service officials said three bodies were recovered from the spot while nine others died at hospitals while undergoing treatment. Train movement on Dhaka–Chattogram route remained suspended for three hours following the accident. Deputy Commissioner Reza Hasan and highway police officials visited the scene.  Separate probe committees would be formed by the railway authorities and the district administration to determine the exact cause of the accident, said the Deputy Commissioner.