In a tragic incident in Taraganj on Friday morning, two truck drivers lost their lives in a head-on collision between two trucks. The accident occurred around 7:00 am near the Kharuvaj Bridge area of Hajipur, a busy section of the highway.
The deceased have been identified as Idris Ali, aged 35, son of the late Rahidul Islam from Jaluli village, Maheshpur, Jhenaidah, and Arif, aged 49, from Patuakhali.
According to eyewitnesses and police reports, the collision involved a stone-laden truck travelling towards Rangpur and a goods-laden truck heading for Syedpur. The impact was so severe that both vehicles’ front sections were completely destroyed, resulting in the immediate death of both drivers.
A third individual, Ariful, 32, the helper of the stone-laden truck, sustained serious injuries. He was initially taken to Taraganj Upazila Health Complex and later transferred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
Incident Details
| Name | Age | Role | Hometown / District | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idris Ali | 35 | Truck driver | Jaluli, Maheshpur, Jhenaidah | Deceased |
| Arif | 49 | Truck driver | Patuakhali | Deceased |
| Ariful | 32 | Truck helper | Unknown | Seriously injured |
OC of Taraganj Highway Police, Md. Mostafizur Rahman, confirmed that the bodies were recovered and kept under police custody. Both trucks involved in the accident were removed from the highway, and traffic has since returned to normal. He also noted that legal proceedings related to the accident are ongoing.
Eyewitnesses described the collision as sudden and devastating, highlighting that the area near Kharuvaj Bridge is particularly busy during the morning hours. Overloaded vehicles frequently travel this stretch, significantly increasing the risk of such accidents.
Authorities have urged truck owners and drivers to exercise caution, especially during festival seasons such as Eid, when traffic volumes typically surge. Road safety officials emphasised that strict adherence to speed limits, load regulations, and attentive driving are essential to prevent similar tragedies.
Local residents expressed shock and grief over the incident, noting that it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present on highways in northern Bangladesh. Experts advocate for increased enforcement, routine vehicle inspections, and public awareness campaigns to improve overall road safety.
This accident has not only caused immediate loss of life but also raised urgent questions about highway safety measures, vehicle load compliance, and the need for stricter traffic monitoring in high-risk zones.