3 killed as Maitree Express hits mini-truck in Sirajganj

At least three persons were killed and one other was injured as a Dhaka-bound train of Maitree Express rammed a mini-truck on an unguarded level crossing in Siraganj this afternoon.

The deceased were identified as the mini-truck driver Surja Pramanik, 45, and cattle traders Rafiqul Islam, 42 and Minhaj alias Nihar, our Rajshahi staff correspondent reports quoting police.

The incident took place around 1:30pm in Koyelgati area of Kamarkhand upazila in the district.

The train coming from Kolkata hit the cow-laden mini-truck on an unguarded level crossing in the area, leaving Surja dead on the spot and the others injured, said Shafiqul Islam, a sub-inspector of Kamarkhand Police Station.

The injured were rushed to the local upazila health complex where Rafiqul was pronounced dead by doctors and Nihar succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment there, the SI said.

The other injured, whose condition has been stated to be critical, could not be identified immediately.

According to what could be known, the mini-truck carrying four people and three cattle was on its way to Ullahpara.

One of three cows was killed in the collision and locals slaughtered another as it was about to die, SI Shafiqul added.