At least 20 people were injured when a Cox's Bazar-bound Saudia Paribahan bus overturned on the Chittagong-Cox's Bazar highway in Chandanaish upazila early Wednesday.
The accident occurred around 4:30 AM at the Khandighi Shikaripara area under Chandanaish upazila.
Local sources said the passenger bus lost control while traveling from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar and flipped over on the highway. Nearby residents rushed to the spot after hearing the crash to rescue trapped passengers.
Rescuers transported the injured to Chandanaish Upazila Health Complex, BGC Trust Medical College Hospital, and Dohazari Health Complex. Doctors later referred several severely injured victims to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for advanced care. The identities of the injured could not be confirmed immediately.
The overturned vehicle blocked the highway, halting traffic and leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides. Dohazari Highway Police arrived at the scene and used a crane to clear the damaged bus, restoring normal traffic movement.
Locals pointed out that the lack of streetlights and a slight curve in that section of the highway pose significant accident risks for high-speed night traffic. They urged authorities to install lighting and implement speed control measures in the area.
Dohazari Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Nurul Absar stated that police promptly secured the scene and sent the injured to local hospitals. Legal procedures regarding the incident are underway.
-SA