The accident, which occurred at a rail crossing near the Sitakunda Rail Station sometime after midnight, killed the two on the spot as the derailed compartments fell over them. One of them was identified as Jhulan Das, 45, the gate-man of the crossing. The other unidentified man reportedly came from Laksham by Sagarika Express, sources said.

Even after the accident, the Dhaka Mail sped off along with 12 other compartments to Baratakia Rail Station, some 15 kilometres away from the spot, as the engine driver could not realise the incident, sources said.

The stranded passengers of the derailed compartments were sent to Dhaka by another train, Turna Nishitha, after two hours, while the injured passengers were given primary treatment at a local hospital.

A rescue train from the Pahartali Rail Station reached the spot and removed three of the derailed compartments as of yesterday afternoon.

Movement of trains including passenger trains Turna Nishitha and Udayan Express and a container-loaded train was delayed for nearly three hours due to the accident.

A four-member committee led by Divisional Transportation Officer (DTO) Mokhsedul Arefin was formed to probe the accident.