Barisal crash kills 11

At least 11 people have been killed and 20 others injured when a bus ran over several pedestrians after losing control and then fell into a roadside ditch in Barisal’s Ujirpur Upazila.

Ujirpur Police Station OC Anwar Hossain said the accident took place on the Dhaka-Barisal highway around 6:30pm on Friday in the Upazila’s Ichhladi area.

“The Dhaka-bound Hanif Paribahan bus hit some small vehicles, ran over several pedestrians and hit a roadside shop after the driver lost control. Then it fell into the ditch near the toll plaza of MA Jalil Bridge.”

Five people were killed on the spot, said Barisal's Superintendent of Police AKM Ehsan Ullah.

He said six of the injured died undergoing treatment after they were rushed to the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital along with other victims.

The victims were identified as Neel Sharif, Jewel Biswas, Mamun Akan, Yunus Hawlader, Jahangir Hossain, Mozammel Hossain, Matiur Rahman, Selim Mir, Sohag Fakir, Harun-ur-Rashaid and Munni Begum.

All of them were residents of the area.

OC Anwar Hossain said several injured persons were admitted to Ujirpur Upazila Health Complex.

Police said a local, Hakim Hawlader, died of heart attack after seeing victims while taking part in rescue efforts.

Traffic movement on the highway came to a halt as several thousands of people gathered crowded the accident site.

Plying of vehicles resumed around 8:30pm after police arranged to tow the bus away.

Nezarat Deputy Collector (NDC) Sadikur Rahman said Barisal district administration have announced financial assistance Tk 10,000-20,000 for the families of each of those killed.

Highway police officers said a case will be lodged at the Ujirpur Police Station over the incident.