Cox’s Bazar Correspondent
At least four people have been killed in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and a four-wheeled jeep in the Khutakhali Union of Chakaria Upazila, Cox’s Bazar. Five others sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals.
The accident occurred around 6:30 am on Thursday (13 August) on the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway, in front of the Nayapara Baitul Mamur Jame Mosque in Khutakhali Union.
The deceased have been identified as Md. Jasim Uddin (25), son of the late Motiur Rahman of the Segunbagicha area in Khutakhali Union; Md. Shahed (27), son of the late Manjur Alam of Shiapara; Md. Rafiq (28), son of the late Abul Kashem of West Gazalia in Islamabad Union, Eidgaon Upazila; and Md. Ziaul Haque (25), son of Aminul Haque of the New Office area in Islamapur Union.
Jasim Uddin died while undergoing treatment at Malumghat Christian Memorial Hospital, while the other three succumbed to their injuries at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital.
The injured are: Ziaul Haque (40), son of Abdul Samad of Madrasha Para, New Office area in Islamapur Union, Eidgaon Upazila; Md. Sarwar (19), son of Syed Alam of Napitkhali; Syed Alam (50), son of Ali Mia of the same area; Md. Delwar Hossain (35), son of Badruddoza of Medakchhapya in Khutakhali Union; and Syed Karim (30), son of Md. Rahmat Karim of Keruntali in Teknaf Upazila. They are being treated at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital and Malumghat Christian Memorial Hospital.
Sub-Inspector (SI) Shamsuzzaman of Malumghat Highway Police Station said that an unregistered four-wheeled jeep was heading towards Chakaria with passengers in the morning. On the way, it collided head-on with an air-conditioned bus of Lal-Sabuj Transport, which was coming from the opposite direction and heading towards Cox’s Bazar.
He added that the impact of the collision tore open the roof of the jeep and left it badly mangled. Nine people, including the driver, were seriously injured. Upon receiving the news, police and locals rescued the injured and sent them to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital and Malumghat Christian Memorial Hospital, where four of them later died.
SI Shamsuzzaman further confirmed that both vehicles involved in the accident have been seized. However, the bus driver and his helper fled the scene. Legal action has been taken in connection with the incident.
