Fuel train derailment: Rail link still cut after 14hrs, BGB deployed to prevent looting

Rail communication between Sylhet and the rest of the country remained suspended for more than 14 following the derailment of an oil-laden train in Habiganj.

As of 11am today (2 April), rescue operations are ongoing, train services on the Sylhet-Dhaka and Sylhet-Chattogram routes were not yet resumed. To maintain order and prevent the looting of spilled oil, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel have been stationed at the scene.

The incident occurred last night (1 April) around 9:15pm at Mantala Railway Station, where at least four wagons of the train went off the tracks. One of the derailed wagons fell into a roadside ditch.

According to sources, the train, carrying fuel oil from Chattogram to Sylhet, derailed while passing through the station. Eyewitnesses said several wagons were badly damaged, with some thrown off the tracks into adjacent land.

Since the incident, joint efforts involving the Army, BGB (55th Battalion), and local police was launched to rescue the derailed wagons and restore the railway line.

According to Noapara Railway Station Master Md Monir Ahmed, at least three major trains have been cancelled. These include the Dhaka-bound Upaban Express, the Chattogram-bound Udayan Express, and the Sylhet-bound Paharika Express.

"We have processed ticket refunds for the affected passengers. While we are working as fast as possible, it may take several more hours before the lines are clear for traffic," Ahmed said.

Passengers have been facing severe inconvenience due to the prolonged suspension of rail services.

Madhabpur Police Station OC Sohail Rana confirmed that there have been no reported casualties or injuries resulting from the derailment.

Ataur Rahman Gani, station master of Mantala, said that a team of railway experts is working on-site, with efforts underway to partially restore operations by the afternoon.

Authorities said efforts are continuing to fully restore rail services as quickly as possible.

Lieutenant Colonel Tanzilur Rahman, commander of the 55th BGB Battalion, said, "Two of the derailed wagons have already been uprighted using cranes. Work is currently underway on two more, while one wagon remains submerged in a canal, which will take more time to retrieve."

He further noted that BGB members have already recovered and secured a large quantity of oil in containers to prevent theft.

"BGB personnel have been deployed since night to assist civil authorities, maintain law and order, and prevent theft of the spilt fuel," he added.