Dhaka: A five-member investigation committee has been established to determine the cause of the tragic accident on Monday night at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), which resulted in the deaths of three Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) personnel and injuries to four others. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat informed journalists about the formation of the committee after inspecting the accident site at the airport’s under-construction Third Terminal.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the committee is led by Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Deputy Director Nazrul and is tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. Minister Millat emphasized that the investigation would reveal the actual cause of the accident, although initial observations suggested a possible driving error or excessive speed as contributing factors. “From what we have heard and seen, my preliminary impression is that the accident may have occurred due to an error on the part of the driver,” Millat stated.
During his inspection of the site, Minister Millat shared his preliminary assessment, noting that the vehicle involved might have been traveling at an excessive speed while approaching a turn, which led to the accident. “I think the vehicle was traveling at a high speed and the driver could not control it. He was supposed to turn right but failed to make the turn,” he explained. However, he stressed that further details would become clear once the investigation report is finalized.
Following his inspection, the minister instructed authorities to implement immediate protective measures around the underpass and other potentially vulnerable areas of the Third Terminal. He highlighted the importance of ensuring safety for visitors, especially as the terminal is likely to attract many people, including elderly individuals and children, once it opens.
The accident, which occurred when a pickup van carrying BAF personnel fell from an elevated roadway at the under-construction terminal, led to the deaths of three personnel and injuries to four others. Minister Millat mentioned that the funeral prayers for the deceased had been completed, and the injured were receiving treatment.
Before his visit to the accident site, Minister Millat attended the Namaz-e-Janaza for the deceased BAF personnel. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that the accident took place around 10:20 pm on August 31 while the BAF personnel were performing routine duty at the terminal. The injured were promptly taken to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) for treatment.