Agartala/Guwahati, Nov 20 (NationPress) Tragically, three individuals lost their lives, including the driver of a mini truck, when their vehicle was involved in a collision with an express train in Tripura on Thursday, as per official reports.

The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, reported that the incident occurred in the afternoon when the down Agartala–Silchar Express was traversing the hilly Ambasa–Manu sector in Dhalai district. A goods-laden mini truck unexpectedly entered the railway tracks, resulting in the collision.

This unexpected entry caused a crash with the train engine, leading to the immediate demise of the truck driver and two other passengers. The vehicle was eventually cleared from the tracks, allowing the train to continue its route, Sharma indicated.

Additionally, the CPRO noted that this tragic event transpired at an unauthorized crossing. Railway officials had made numerous attempts to shut down this crossing to safeguard both rail and road users, but efforts were thwarted due to local opposition.

In fact, on October 5, railway representatives from Agartala visited the area to address the unauthorized crossing issue, but were unable to take action.

The NFR once again urged the public to avoid railway tracks for their safety, emphasizing that illegal crossings are perilous and can result in fatalities. Such actions are also punishable under the Indian Railways Act, Sharma added.

Authorities identified the deceased as Pramesh Debbarma (23), Bupendra Debbarma (55), and Bina Debbarma (27). Tragically, all three succumbed to their injuries on the spot. Personnel from Fire and Emergency Services later retrieved the bodies and transported them for post-mortem examinations. This incident marks one of the most severe railway accidents in Tripura recently.

Furthermore, on October 5, a significant catastrophe was narrowly averted when a Dharmanagar-Agartala DEMU passenger train nearly collided with a mini truck carrying brick chips close to the same Ambasa–Manu area in Dhalai district.

According to police reports, the truck attempted to cross the railway tracks at an unauthorized point frequently used by locals, but one of its front wheels became lodged. As the train approached, the pilot sounded the horn multiple times to alert passersby. Despite frantic efforts by the driver and nearby witnesses to move the truck, they were unable to do so in time.

Ultimately, the train struck the vehicle and dragged it a short distance before halting. The impact displaced the truck from the tracks, yet fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the train sustained no significant damage.