Five individuals lost their lives when a passenger train en route to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, caught fire on Friday. The Benapole Express, which was traveling from the western city of Jessore, was engulfed in flames, leading to casualties and chaos.
Rakjibul Hasan, a fire service officer, reported that at least four coaches of the train were affected by the blaze. The incident occurred at Gopibagh, an old district of Dhaka, close to the city’s main rail terminal.
Police commander Khandaker Al Moin confirmed the recovery of five bodies from the site. Witnesses described a harrowing scene as the train caught fire, with rescuers and locals rushing to aid those trapped inside.
An anonymous rescuer, speaking to Somoy TV, a private broadcaster, detailed the efforts made to save passengers. Despite the rapid response, the fire’s swift spread hampered rescue efforts.
Authorities are investigating the possibility of arson, considering the current political unrest in Bangladesh. The nation is facing tensions ahead of national elections, which have been boycotted by the opposition.