By Canadian Press

Trains collide in Bangladesh, killing at least 16

Nov 13, 2019 | 11:42 PM

DHAKA, Bangladesh — Two trains collided in eastern Bangladesh on Tuesday, killing at least 16 people and injuring scores, officials said.

Local police chief Shayamal Kanti Das said the collision took place when the Udayan Express and Turna Nishita trains approached each other on the same track from opposite directions in Brahmanbaria district. The area is 82 kilometres (51 miles) east of the capital, Dhaka.

Local government administrator Hayat Ud Dowlah Khan said 16 people died and at least 40 others were being treated at hospitals for injuries. The United News of Bangladesh news agency said more than 100 were injured.

TV footage showed fire service rescuers pulling bodies from the twisted coaches and using body bags to send the bodies to hospital morgues.

Authorities were investigating the accident, but officials said they found the driver of the Turna Nishita train responsible because he ignored a signal. That driver and two others have been suspended.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Nov. 15-17

Nov 15, 2024

LIVE UPDATES

Road construction, detours and traffic in Medicine Hat

Nov 15, 2024

In the community

Medicine Hat public library screening movie to open discussion on addiction and recovery

Nov 14, 2024

Train accidents are common in Bangladesh, blamed mainly on unsupervised railway crossings, poor signalling and bad track conditions.

The Associated Press