A fatal road accident in Gaibandha has left one battery-operated three-wheeler driver dead and a female passenger critically injured after a head-on collision with a passenger bus in the Palashbari Upazila area.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon along the Gaibandha–Palashbari regional highway near the Burirghor locality. According to eyewitness accounts, a Dhaka-bound passenger bus was travelling at high speed when it allegedly lost control and crashed directly into an oncoming battery-run easy-bike carrying passengers. The impact was described as severe, leaving the smaller vehicle completely mangled and killing the driver on the spot.
The deceased was identified as 50-year-old Ferdous Miah, son of Altaf Hossain from Kismat Durgapur village under Khord Komorpur Union in Sadullapur Upazila. Locals said he had been earning his livelihood for years by operating a battery-powered three-wheeler, commonly used for short-distance rural transport.
One of the passengers, 30-year-old Shapla Begum, sustained serious injuries in the collision. She was initially rescued by bystanders and rushed to Gaibandha District Hospital. Due to the severity of her condition, she was later transferred to a specialised medical facility in Rangpur for advanced treatment.
Eyewitnesses further claimed that the bus was travelling at excessive speed and that the driver appeared to lose control moments before the crash. Although the bus reportedly stopped a short distance away after the collision, the driver fled the scene immediately, according to local residents.
The accident caused panic and grief in the surrounding community, with locals gathering at the scene shortly after the incident. Traffic movement on the highway was disrupted for some time before police intervention restored order.
Residents of the area expressed concern over the increasing number of accidents on this stretch of road, blaming reckless driving, lack of speed monitoring, and inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations. They urged the authorities to install stricter speed controls and ensure regular highway monitoring to prevent further tragedies.
Police from Palashbari Upazila confirmed that they responded promptly after receiving information about the crash. Law enforcement officials have launched an investigation, and efforts are underway to identify and seize the offending bus. Legal proceedings have been initiated in connection with the incident.
Summary of the Accident
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Burirghor area, Gaibandha–Palashbari regional highway |
| Administrative Area | Gaibandha / Palashbari Upazila |
| Time | Thursday afternoon, 11 June |
| Vehicle Involved | Passenger bus and battery-operated easy-bike |
| Fatality | Ferdous Miah (50), easy-bike driver |
| Injured | Shapla Begum (30), female passenger |
| Medical Response | Initial treatment at Gaibandha District Hospital, later transferred to Rangpur |
| Police Action | Investigation underway; bus identification and seizure in progress |
Authorities and locals alike have emphasised that without stricter enforcement of road safety measures, high-speed driving on rural highways is likely to result in further preventable fatalities.