By Md. Kamruzzaman

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA): At least 15 people were killed and more than 50 others injured early Tuesday when two passenger trains collided head-on in Bangladesh’s Brahmanbaria district east of the capital, according to police and local media reports.

“Until now, we have confirmed 15 dead in the accident. We are still doing recovery work,” local police chief Mohammad Anisur Rahman told Anadolu Agency.

He said the death toll may rise as some passengers are still reportedly trapped under the affected coaches.

“A committee has been formed to investigate the accident and we will be able to confirm the exact number of casualties and other damage after their report,” Rahman said.

The accident took place when a train mistakenly violated the signal while changing tracks at the station, private television channel Shomoy TV reported, citing police.

Chittagong-bound Udayan Express from Sylhet and Dhaka-bound Turna Nishita collided near Mondobhag Railway Station in the district around 3:30am on Tuesday, Hayat-ud-Dowla Khan, Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune.

Train service between the capital Dhaka and two other important cities — Sylhet and Chottogram — has been suspended.

Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed their condolences over the deaths.

[Map of Bangladesh By Bangladesh Road Rail/Miljoshi/Creative Commons]