Death toll rises to 11 in bus-human hauler collision in Narsingdi’s Belabo

The number of deaths in a collision between a bus and a small passenger carrier, locally called ‘Laguna’, in Narsingdi’s Belabo has risen to 11.

Eight people were killed on the spot and 11 injured in the accident that occurred at Dorhikandi on Dhaka-Sylhet Highway around 8:30pm on Monday, Belabo Police Station OC Jabed Mahmud told bdnews24.com.

Five of the deceased have been identified Sujon Mia, 22, his wife Rahela Begum, 20, Abul Hossain, 30, Abdul Mia, 24, and Mobarak Mia, 18. 

The injured were being treated at Narsingdi Sadar Hospital where the three others died later.

The bus of Dhaka Boss transport company was carrying passengers from Bhairab to the capital’s Mohakhali.

The Bhairab-bound ‘Laguna’ from Morjal was smashed when the bus hit it head-on before falling into a ditch, OC Jabed said quoting witnesses.   

Traffic on the highway halted due to the accident for some time. Later, police cleared the damaged vehicles from the highway.

Bhairab Highway Police Station OC Toufiqul Islam said the ‘Laguna’ driver was among the deceased people while the driver of the bus fled after the crash.

All the deceased were passengers of the human hauler and returning home in Sunamganj to celebrate the Eid-ul-Azha with their families and relatives, according to Toufiqul. 

The road accident happened amidst a rush of homebound Eid holidaymakers and trucks carrying sacrificial cattle on the highways. 

Narsingdi Superintendent of Police Saifullah Al Mamun said the accident occurred due to speeding on the road deserted ahead of Eid.