The death toll from a head-on collision between two passenger buses in Chattogram’s Lohagara upazila has risen to five, while at least 15 others were injured.
The incident took place around 11:00 AM on Saturday on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway in the Chunati area, in front of Hotel Four Seasons.
According to eyewitnesses, a Chattogram-bound bus collided head-on with another bus of the ‘Marsha Paribahan’ company travelling towards Cox’s Bazar. The impact caused the vehicles to lose control, leaving several passengers critically injured.
Following the incident, one passenger died on the spot, while four others succumbed to their injuries at Lohagara Upazila Health Complex and Chattogram Medical College Hospital.
The deceased were identified as Naimul Abdullah Jihan, 21, son of Chan Ali and Naim, 22, son of Md Anwar, both from Jhenaidah district, Rehena Begum, 60, wife of Badiul Alam from Patiya in Chattogram, Monir Ahmed, 20, from Bhola and another victim whose identity could not be confirmed immediately.
At least 15 injured passengers were rescued and admitted to different hospitals. Among them are Md Alim, 45, Karim Ullah, 46, Kawsar, 14, Jannatul Ferdous, 35, Wasin, 30, Fariha, 17, Md Masum, 23, Dwip Dutta, 35 and Md Saiful, 42. Several others received first aid and returned home.
According to Lohagara Upazila Trauma Center, the number of fatalities rose to five after four injured passengers died during treatment.
Dohazari Highway Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Salah Uddin Chowdhury said the injured were sent to hospitals for treatment and legal procedures are underway to hand over the bodies to their families.
Investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing, added the official.
AH/AM
