4-Member Probe Body Formed After Chattola Express Fire

The Eastern Railway authorities have formed a four-member committee to investigate a fire that broke out on the Dhaka-bound ‘Chattola Express’ on Thursday morning.

The fire started in the train's power car around 7:00 AM while it was passing the BMA Gate area in Faujdarhat, Sitakunda. The flames quickly spread to an adjacent air-conditioned (AC) coach, sparking panic among passengers. Fortunately, all passengers evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported.

Two Fire Service units reached the scene promptly and brought the blaze under control. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan confirmed that the probe committee, headed by the Divisional Transport Officer (DTO), has been asked to submit its findings urgently.

While officials suspect a mechanical fault caused the fire, the exact origin remains under investigation. Train services on the route were briefly disrupted but have since returned to normal.