The accident occurred around 11:30 am on November 9 in the Char Chamita area of Chandraganj, Lakshmipur, when a Lakshmipur-bound bus operated by Anand Paribahan overturned while travelling from Begumganj. The bus lost control and overturned on the highway, leaving passengers trapped and triggering panic among people in the surrounding area.
Three people, including a woman, were killed and at least 15 others were injured after a passenger bus overturned on the Lakshmipur-Noakhali highway in Chandraganj upazila on Monday morning. Two passengers died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries on the way to a local hospital.
The deceased were identified as Mansura Begum, 50, wife of Siddiqur Rahman of Faridganj upazila in Chandpur; Babul, son of Nur Mohammad of Chandraganj; and Ashik, a resident of Ramgati upazila in Lakshmipur.
Different media reports have provided slightly varying details about the victims' ages and identities. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), in a separate report, identified the deceased as Babul Hossain, 60, Mansura Begum, 50, and Ashik Hossain, 25, who was reportedly working as the bus helper.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Md Manzur of Chandraganj Highway Police Station said the accident occurred when the bus overturned on the highway, killing two passengers instantly and injuring several others.
Following the accident, highway police and residents rushed to the scene and helped rescue the injured passengers. The victims were initially taken to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital for medical treatment. Several passengers sustained serious injuries and were subsequently referred to hospitals in Noakhali and Dhaka for advanced medical care.
Hospital duty officer Zahurul Islam Rony confirmed that three people had been brought dead and at least 15 injured passengers had received treatment. Medical authorities said some of the injured required specialized treatment because of the severity of their injuries.
According to eyewitnesses, passengers had urged the driver to slow down, but the bus driver continued travelling recklessly before the accident. Some allege that the bus suddenly fell into a roadside pothole before overturning in the Char Chamita Bazar area. The exact circumstances leading to the accident have yet to be conclusively established.
On top of it, the driver and helper fled the scene. Police have confirmed the casualties and said the damaged bus was removed from the highway.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the condition of the vehicle, the driver's conduct, and the possible role of road conditions. The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns about road safety in Bangladesh, particularly the risks associated with speeding, reckless driving, and inadequate road infrastructure. With three lives lost and several passengers injured, the accident has renewed calls for stronger enforcement of traffic regulations and greater accountability among public transport operators. The incident caused further concern among residents and commuters travelling along the busy Lakshmipur-Noakhali route.
