Dhaka: At least seven people were killed and more than 40 were injured in three separate bus accidents in Chattogram, Tangail, and Jhalokathi districts last night.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, in Anwara of Chattogram, two women lost their lives and up to 20 individuals were injured when a speeding passenger bus collided with several CNG-run auto-rickshaws near the tunnel junction. Witnesses reported that the bus veered off the road, impacting six auto-rickshaws and a nearby tea stall. The victims, Polie Dutta, aged 32, and Ifa Shil, aged 30, succumbed to their injuries after being rushed to Anwara Upazila Health Complex. Police and fire service officials confirmed that several of the injured were later transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for more advanced treatment.
In Madhupur of Tangail, a tragic accident occurred when a Jamalpur-bound Crown Deluxe bus collided head-on with a sand-laden truck at Raktipara around 10 pm. This crash resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a woman and a child. The deceased were identified as Razia Begum, aged 33, Setu Akter, aged 22, and eight-year-old Tajbir. Seventeen others were injured in the collision, including Tajbir's father. Rescue teams, composed of police, fire service personnel, and locals, quickly arrived at the scene, transporting victims to Madhupur Upazila Health Complex. One more individual was declared dead at the health complex, while seven critically injured patients were later referred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for further care.
In the Rajapur area of Jhalokathi, two passengers died and four sustained injuries in a collision between a Dhaka-bound Barishal Express bus and a Mahindra three-wheeler at BoroKaibartakhali Cooperative area around 10:30 pm. The victims were identified as Mehedi, aged 24, from Pirojpur, and English teacher ABM Abdur Rahim from Kachua of Jhalokathi. Witnesses stated that the bus fled the scene following the crash, while the Mahindra driver went into hiding. Police and fire service personnel recovered the bodies and transported the injured to Rajapur Upazila Health Complex.
Authorities in all three districts have confirmed that legal measures are underway. They also reiterated concerns regarding reckless driving and the need for improved road safety measures.