Road crashes claim 281 lives during Eid travel

A total of 281 people were killed and 837 others injured in 292 road accidents across Bangladesh during the Eid-ul-Azha travel period, highlighting persistent concerns over road safety amid one of the country's busiest travel 
seasons.

According to a report released by the Road Safety Foundation on Thursday, the accidents occurred between May 21 and June 2, covering the days before and after the Eid holiday.

Motorcycle crashes accounted for the largest share of fatalities. Of the total accidents,  
141 involved motorcycles, resulting in 124 deaths, representing 44.12 percent of all road fatalities recorded during the period.

The report also revealed that 37 pedestrians and 33 drivers and transport assistants lost their lives in separate incidents. Among the victims were 21 bus passengers, 32 passengers of trucks and goods-carrying vehicles, 11 occupants of private cars and ambulances, 48 three-wheeler passengers, and eight passengers of local transport vehicles.

Beyond road accidents, the country also witnessed casualties in rail and waterway incidents. Thirteen waterway accidents claimed eight lives and left 15 people injured, while 22 railway accidents resulted in 17 deaths and nine injuries.

In total, road, rail and waterway accidents caused 306 deaths and 861 injuries during the 13-day period, bringing the overall number of casualties to 1,167.

The Road Safety Foundation noted that the Dhaka Division recorded the highest number of accidents and fatalities, with 95 crashes claiming 101 lives. Sylhet Division reported the lowest toll, with seven deaths in nine accidents.