At least 15 people were killed and many others injured as two intercity trains collided in Kasba upazila of Brahmanbaria early today.

Chattogram-bound Udayan Express from Sylhet and Dhaka-bound Turna Nishita from Chattogram collided at Mondobhag Railway Station around 3:00am, said Md Delwar Hossain, loco shed in-charge of Akhaura Railway Junction.

At least 15 people were killed in the tragedy that took place when Udayan Express was changing its track at the station, he told our Brahmanbaria correspondent.

At least two coaches of Udayan Express were severely damaged, he added.

Shayamal Kanti Das, officer-in-charge of Akhaura Railway Police Station, said eight bodies were recovered so far from the spot. “Rescue operation is underway. Death toll may rise as many people are still trapped under the damaged coaches,” the OC said.

Identities of the deceased could not be known immediately.

Rail communication between Dhaka-Chattogram, Dhaka-Noakhali and Chattogram-Sylhet has been suspended following the accident.

Relief trains from Akhaura and Laksam railway junctions rushed to the spot and started rescue operation, Akhaura Railway Junction sources said.

Source: The Daily Star.