Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan said the government is investigating whether the incident of train derailment and catching fire at Ullapara an accident or sabotage.

“During the period of 2013-14, incidents of setting fire on trains took place in different areas in this region. The government is investigating whether there is any such sabotage incident behind the accident of Rangpur Express,” he told reporters after visiting the accident spot and damaged train at Ullapara in the district.

The railways minister said the train accident at Kasba in Brahmanbaria might occur due to fog or other reason.

But in Sirajganj incident, there was no possibility of derailment, as there was no crossing or stoppage there, he said adding that there was a single meter-gauge rail line and only meter-gauge trains run on the line.

Sujan said probes are also underway to find out whether there was any negligence in giving the train clearance to proceed.

He said fire might catch the train engine from its oil but how other compartments caught fire will be investigated.

About two risky railway bridges and rail lines at Ullapara, the minister said the bridges would be repaired within the quickest possible time.

He said a project has already been approved to construct double railway line from Joydebpur to Ishwardi.

Railways Secretary Md Mofazzel Hossain, Additional Secretary Muhammad Ziaur Rahman, Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner Dr Faruk Ahmed, Additional Deputy Commissioner Firoj Mahmud, Upazila Chairman Shafiqul Islam Shafi, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Arifuzzaman and municipality mayor SM Nazrul Islam, were present on the occasion.