4 coaches of moving Madhumati Express decouple in Pabna

The train moved about 400 yards away, leaving the four coaches behind

At least four coaches of the inter-city Madhumati Express train decoupled from the engine as it was running in Pabna.

However, there was no major accident, with the train moving about 400 yards away, leaving the four coaches behind.

The incident took place between the Azimnagar and Ishwardi Bypass stations on Thursday morning, said Anwar Hossain, acting manager (DRM) of Pakshi Divisional Railway.

Pakshi Divisional Railway Transport Officer (DTO) Mosharraf Hossain said that the Dhaka-bound intercity Madhumati Express train from Rajshahi was passing Azimnagar station in Lalpur Upazila of Natore and coming towards Ishwardi around 7:30am.

The incident occurred at 7:35am in the Azimnagar Station area. The connection or “hook” of the train's coaches came loose, causing the four rear coaches to come to a stop on the track.

Meanwhile, the driver did not immediately realise that the coaches had separated, so the engine moved forward about 400 yards. After about 20 minutes of effort, the train resumed its journey towards Dhaka at 7:55am.

Train passenger Yana Afroz Sraboni said, "Shortly after passing Azimnagar station, our carriages suddenly stopped. Looking out the window, I saw that the engine had left us and gone ahead. At that time, there was a huge panic among the passengers. Thank Allah there was no major accident."

Witness Amirul Islam, a local tea seller, said, "The engine had left the coaches and moved far away. After about half an hour, the driver pushed the engine back and reconnected it to the coaches."

DRM Anwar said, "There was no major danger as the driver quickly realised the issue. Railway workers quickly reconnected the coaches. We are sorry for this temporary unfortunate incident."

He also said that train operations are currently normal and the cause of the mechanical malfunction is under investigation.