SRIMANGAL, MOULVIBAZAR — Tragedy struck the town of Srimangal late on Friday night when a high-speed pickup truck collided head-on with a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The incident occurred in the bustling Verab Bazar area, one of the town’s busiest thoroughfares.
According to local witnesses, the auto-rickshaw was travelling from Moulvibazar towards Srimangal when the pickup truck, approaching from the opposite direction at high speed, suddenly veered into its path. The collision was so severe that the front portion of the auto-rickshaw was completely crushed, trapping the driver’s cabin and leaving the occupants critically injured.
Residents and passersby rushed to the scene, attempting to rescue the victims and transport them to Moulvibazar General Hospital, which has a 250-bed capacity. Unfortunately, all three succumbed to their injuries before reaching medical care. Dr. Arif, in charge of the hospital’s emergency department, stated, “All three victims arrived in critical condition. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to save them. The bodies have been transferred to the hospital morgue.”
The identities of the deceased have been confirmed as follows:
| Name | Age | Address | Relation to Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alinur | 32 | Kalenga, Kamalganj | Driver |
| Rubel Mia | 27 | Darga Mohalla, Moulvibazar | Passenger |
| Rehan Mia | 30 | Darga Mohalla, Moulvibazar | Passenger |
Inspector Saiful Islam of the Moulvibazar Model Police Station reported that the fire service recovered the bodies from the scene. He added, “Formal complaints will be addressed through legal channels. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.”
The local administration has initiated an urgent inquiry into the crash and urged drivers to exercise caution, particularly on heavily trafficked routes. The district authorities have also instructed measures to restrict high-speed vehicles and enhance road safety awareness among drivers.
Residents stressed that the accident underscores the critical importance of speed regulation, careful driving, and regular vehicle maintenance to prevent road tragedies. Many have called for the installation of additional traffic signals and stricter enforcement on busy roads.
The fatal collision has cast a shadow of grief over Srimangal. Families and neighbours are mourning the sudden loss, while authorities have promised strengthened road safety measures once the investigation concludes. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by high-speed travel in densely populated areas and the urgent need for enhanced traffic management.