The gatekeeper of Joypurhat s Puranpoil level crossing failed to lower the gate on time as he was either sleeping or drowsy, causing the accident that left 12 people dead and eight others injured, a railway probe found.
Holding gateman Nayon Miah main responsible for the accident, the committee has recommended his removal from the job. Nayon, who was recruited under a railway project, has already been suspended.
The committee also blamed the bus driver and the Roads and Highways Department for the accident.
The four-member probe committee, led by Nasir Uddin, divisional transport officer (Paksey) of Bangladesh Railway (BR), submitted their report on Saturday night.
12 killed as train rams bus
Gateman of level crossing near Joypurhat town ‘left gate open’
Firemen and onlookers in front of the wreckage of a bus after it was hit by a train on a level crossing near Joypurhat town yesterday morning. Photo: collected Our Correspondent, Dinajpur Our Correspondent, Dinajpur
At least 12 people were killed and eight others injured as a train hit a bus on a level crossing near Joypurhat town yesterday morning.
The gateman had left the crossing s gate open, said police after primary investigation.
All the victims were travelling on the bus.
The accident happened in Joypurhat s Puranpoil area around 7:00am when intercity train Uttara Express from Dinajpur was on its way to Rajshahi, said police quoting locals.