Mirsarai Tragedy: 11 Tourists Laid to Rest

Eleven people, who died in a train accident while returning to their homes after visiting Khoiyachora Waterfall in the hills of Mirsarai Upazila on Friday, were laid to rest on Saturday, reports UNB.

All of them were laid to rest in their respective areas in Hathazari Upazila, said Shahidul Alam, Upazila nirbahi officer (UNO).

Around 10.30am, a namaz-e-janaza of five of the deceased was held on Amanbazar Sumdia Government Primary school grounds in Hathazari Upazila.

Besides, the namaz-e-janaza of four other victims was also held in their respective villages on Saturday while those of two others were held on Friday night.

The mortal remains of all the 11 people -- nine students, one teacher and the microbus driver -- were handed over to their families on Friday.

How the accident occurred?

The tragedy occurred when a speeding express train rammed into the microbus carrying the tourists at a level crossing in Mirsharai Upazila on Friday

“The microbus got on the rail track breaking through a bamboo barrier at the level crossing before it was hit by the train,” said Ansar Ali, transportation officer of Bangladesh Railway (east).

The divisional railway authorities on Friday formed a five-member committee to investigate the accident. Bangladesh Railway (east) Divisional Transport Officer (DTO) Ansar Ali has been made the head of the probe committee. "We will have to submit the report at the earliest," he said.

The Railway police has already detained gateman Md Saddam Hussain, who was in charge of Khoiyachora level crossing at the time of the accident, said Kabir Hossain, officer-in-charge of Mirsharai police station.