Twelve people were killed in a collision between a train and a bus at the Paduar Bazar rail crossing in Cumilla early Saturday night during Eid. Following the accident, local residents accused the on-duty gatekeepers of negligence, claiming they were under the influence of drugs and failed to hear the train’s signal. Evidence of drug use, including yaba and cannabis paraphernalia, was reportedly found in the gatekeepers’ quarters.

Locals alleged that the government quarters for gatekeepers are often used for drug gatherings due to a lack of regular supervision. They claimed that on the night of the accident, gatekeepers Mehedi and Helal were intoxicated with outsiders. However, Cumilla Railway Station Master Sheikh Anwar Hossain denied the allegations, saying no drug use occurs in the gatekeepers’ rooms and that the engineering department will determine the actual cause. Railway security officials said action would follow any confirmed complaints.

Three investigation committees have been formed to determine the cause of the accident, with a 72-hour deadline to submit reports. The Cumilla district administration assured that legal action will be taken against anyone found responsible.