Two killed as bus plunges into roadside ditch in Cox’s Bazar

The Cox's Bazar-bound Hanif Paribahan bus from Chattogram veered out of control when its driver suddenly sped up and crashed into the ditch, say police

Two people have died after a bus veered out of control and fell into a roadside ditch in Cox's Bazar's Chakaria Upazila.

The accident took place around midnight on Thursday in Harbang Union's Goyalmara, according to Chiringa Highway Police Station chief Ariful Amin.

Police have yet to confirm the identities of the victims.

“A Hanif Paribahan bus was heading to Cox’s Bazar from Chattogram. On the way, the driver lost control of the vehicle and it fell into a ditch,” said Ariful.

“Around 2:30am, when a crane was lifting the bus from the ditch, the body of a young man was found hanging from a window. Another passenger’s body was found crushed under the vehicle.”

The bus was carrying about 40 passengers, including the driver and his assistant, according to local journalist Saiful Islam.

Citing passengers and locals, he said: “Due to rain, the road was slippery. The bus was moving slowly, which led to an argument between the driver and passengers.”

“After passing Chunati, the driver suddenly sped up, lost control, and the bus veered off the road and fell into the ditch.”

Ariful said that five people were seriously injured in the crash and have been admitted to the hospital.

The bodies of the dead are currently at the highway police station.

The wrecked bus has also been recovered and brought to the station, according to Ariful.