Human error behind latest train crashes

Human error was the key contributing factor in the two latest train accidents in the east and west zones of Bangladesh Railway, enquiry reports cited.
The rail authorities have received two separate reports of divisional and departmental enquiry committees formed after the train accident in Kosba, Brahmanbaria.
Three other reports from chief operating superintendent, deputy commissioner and railway inspector are yet to be handed.
But sources close to the committees said the findings of other reports are unlikely to be different.
The divisional and departmental probe panels formed after the Ullahpara accident have also not submitted their reports.
But reliable sources said Rangpur Express derailed due to a fault in track and it was left unrepaired.
Bangladesh Railway officials declined to disclose any of the reports as railways minister will officially brief the media on the matter today (Wednesday).
In the Kosba accident, sources said, the locomotive master of Dhaka-bound Turna Nishita missed two signals while entering Mondobagh station on the night of November 12 and hit Udayan Express.
He noticed the third signal on a 'caution board' located at the entrance to the station but failed to avert the accident even after hard break.
Speed record showed Turna was running at 86 kilometres per hour before entering the station but its speed was 25 kmph before it hit the Chattogram-bound Udayan.
The reports have hold three staff members-locomaster, assistant master and guard-responsible for the crash.
They all were suspended after the incident.
Sources said Rangpur Express derailed on November 14 as repairers numbering seven to eight left the spot for lunch before completing track maintenance work.
The locomotive along with two bogies of the air-conditioned train caught fire after derailment near Ullahpara station around 2:10 pm.
Rail officials estimated the loss at Tk 30 million.
In the Kosba accident, BR director general Mohammad Shamsuzzaman said one more person succumbed to his injuries at Combined Military Hospital on Saturday.
He, however, said the number of total victims remains the same as 16 because a minor boy's name was cited twice on the victim list made after the accident.
Mr Zaman said 24 passengers are still undergoing treatment at CMH, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital and Cumilla.
The schedule for west zone resumed on Friday, but BR is still to restore that of all cross-country trains.
According to BR, the Khulna-bound Chittra was late for 10 hours, Lalmonirhat Express for six hours, Sundarban Express for 4.35 hours and Panchagarh Express for 3.25 hours on Monday.
Mr Zaman said schedules will gradually be normal with the off-day of different train services in west zone.

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