Photo: BSS

CUMILLA, March 30, 2026 (BSS) - An investigation report into the tragic train-bus collision that claimed the lives of 12 people in the district’s Padua Bazar has revealed significant negligence and irresponsibility on the part of multiple individuals and departments. 

The district administration's inquiry committee, led by Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Mohammad Zafar Sadiq Chowdhury, has pointed to the failure of 6 gatemen, alongside several other authorities, as the primary factors contributing to the horrific accident.

The collision occurred on the early morning of March 22, the day following the holy Eid-ul-Fitr, when a passenger bus collided with a moving train at the Padua Bazar level crossing. The crash resulted in 12 fatalities and left at least 20 others injured, some of whom were critically wounded.

The investigation report, which has already been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, highlighted at least 6 major discrepancies. 

According to ADM Chowdhury, the negligence was widespread, implicating 4 gatemen from the Padua Bazar level crossing, 2 from the Bijoypur level crossing, the station master of Lalmai railway station, two locomasters, the road department’s construction work, and the bus driver.

“Multiple departments and individuals were responsible for the entire incident,” said Chowdhury, stressing that the failure of these individuals to carry out their duties properly led to the devastating collision. The report further recommended 8 key measures to prevent such incidents in the future, focusing on improved safety protocols, better supervision, and stricter accountability.

The investigation committee included key figures such as BRTA Assistant Director Faruk Alam, Mainamati Crossing Highway Police Station OC Abdul Momin, Fire Service Assistant Director Md. Iqbal Hossain, and Railway Assistant Transport Officer Asif Khan Chowdhury. 

The findings have prompted the arrest of three gatemen, with charges filed by a bus passenger involved in the accident.

The incident has stirred widespread concern, as many are questioning the safety measures in place at railway crossings and the efficiency of the individuals tasked with overseeing them.