At approximately 7:00 a.m. on Monday, 9 March, a tragic head-on collision between an auto-rickshaw and a battery-operated van (locally known as a “votvot”) in the Chondipur area of Baghā Upazila, Rajshahi, claimed the lives of three people and left two others critically injured. The accident occurred in front of the residence of Hazrat Ali, along the Baghā–Lalpur road. Baghā police responded swiftly, recovering the bodies and transporting them to the local police station.
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Accident Circumstances
According to local witnesses and police sources, the auto-rickshaw, carrying five passengers, had departed from Nawpara village in Lalpur Upazila, Natore district, en route to Baghā. Upon reaching Chondipur, it collided head-on with a votvot approaching from the opposite direction. Two individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third succumbed to injuries en route to hospital.
Victims and Medical Treatment
The critically injured include Shahajan Ali, 35, son of Nazim Uddin from Andi village, and Seema Begum, 50, wife of Abdul Hannan from Chakbaduria village. They were initially admitted to Baghā Upazila Health Complex and subsequently transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital due to deteriorating conditions. Hospital officials report that both patients remain in critical condition.
Eyewitness Account
Local resident Alomgir Hossain described the scene:
“The dense morning fog severely limited visibility, preventing the vehicles from seeing each other. This likely caused the collision.”
Police Response and Investigation
OC Serajul Haque of Baghā Police Station stated that the auto-rickshaw, carrying five passengers from Lalpur, collided with a votvot travelling in the opposite direction, resulting in three fatalities. The bodies have been preserved at the station, and both vehicles involved have been recovered for further investigation. Authorities are examining road conditions and traffic management as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Accident Summary
| Location | Date & Time | Fatalities | Injured | Vehicles Involved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chondipur, Baghā | 9 March, 7:00 a.m. | 3 | 2 | Auto-rickshaw, Votvot |
Preliminary Analysis
Local residents suggest that the combination of thick fog and insufficient road precautions contributed significantly to the tragedy. The incident has stirred grief and concern within the community, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures, particularly for passenger transport.
Authorities continue to urge drivers to exercise extreme caution under low-visibility conditions and emphasise adherence to traffic regulations to prevent further loss of life.