At least fifteen people were injured in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and a watermelon-laden truck in Madaripur on Thursday morning, 19 March. The accident occurred around 6:00 a.m. on the Dhaka-Barisal Highway in the Tantibari area of Madaripur Sadar Upazila.
According to police, fire service personnel, and eyewitnesses, a Bogdad Transport passenger bus was travelling from Dhaka to Barisal when, midway through its journey, it collided head-on with a truck carrying watermelons coming from Patuakhali. The impact left both vehicles severely damaged and resulted in injuries to at least fifteen people, including the drivers of both vehicles.
The collision caused traffic on the highway to come to a temporary halt, creating delays for other vehicles. Emergency teams, including the fire service and highway police, quickly responded to the scene. Injured passengers were promptly rescued and transported to Madaripur 250-Bed District Hospital for treatment.
Sheikh Ahaduzzaman, an inspector with the Madaripur Fire Service, stated, “Our personnel rescued several people and transferred them to the hospital. Preliminary reports suggest that excessive speed may have been the primary cause of this accident.”
OC Mamun Al Rashid of Mostafapur Highway Police added, “Traffic on the highway was temporarily suspended due to the collision. Our officers arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. All injured individuals were admitted to hospital promptly.”
A summary of the accident details is provided in the table below:
| Vehicle | Type / Load | Occupants | Injured | Damage | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger bus (Bogdad Transport) | Passengers | 30+ | 10 | Moderate to severe | Front section heavily damaged |
| Truck | Watermelons | 2 | 5 | Moderate | Some cargo spilled |
Local residents reported that the accident caused significant delays on the busy highway during the early morning, leaving many vehicles stranded. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety, particularly regarding reckless driving and overloading of vehicles.
Authorities have confirmed that an investigation into the circumstances of the crash is underway. Road safety experts emphasise the need for strict enforcement of speed limits, regular vehicle inspections, and adherence to traffic regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cautious driving, especially on highways that connect major cities and towns. Officials have urged drivers to maintain safe distances and avoid excessive speed, particularly in areas prone to heavy traffic or challenging road conditions.
The Madaripur collision underscores the continued risks faced on the Dhaka-Barisal Highway and reinforces the necessity for improved traffic management and public awareness campaigns to reduce road accidents.