Two tourists killed, 5 injured as jeep plunges into ravine in Thanchi

Two tourists have died and five others injured as a jeep carrying them plunged into a ravine in Bandarban's Thanchi Upazila.

Thanchi Police chief Kanon Sarkar said the incident took place on Monday in the Upazila's Tindu.

The identities of the victims were not immediately available.

Citing locals, Thanchi Press Club President Mongboaching Marma Anupam said all the tourists involved in the accident were residents of Chakaria Upazila in Cox's Bazar.

They had traveled via Alikadam to visit the Raja Pathor near the Sangu River in Tindu. The accident occurred while the jeep was descending a steep hill before reaching Tindu Bazar, he added.

He said the injured have been rescued and taken to Chakaria, while the bodies of the dead will likely be brought to the police station.

Clement Tripura, a tourist guide in Thanchi, mentioned that a new road has recently been constructed connecting the Thanchi-Alikadam road to Tindu Bazar, describing it as extremely steep and dangerous.

Guides from Alikadam often take tourists along this route instead of traveling directly to Thanchi Sadar, he said. “This is done to save costs, as visiting Thanchi Sadar would require registration and the additional expense of hiring a boat to reach Tindu. However, this new road to Tindu is very risky for tourist vehicles. Minor accidents frequently occur there,” Clement said.

Officer Kanon said, “We are heading to the scene after receiving news of the accident. Preliminary reports indicate two tourist fatalities and five injuries. There is no mobile network coverage in that area, so we cannot provide further details until we return”