Pedestrian Fatally Struck by Bus in Comilla, Angered Locals Set Vehicle Alight

A tragic incident occurred on the Dhaka–Chittagong Highway in Comilla on Thursday, 25 December, when an elderly pedestrian was fatally struck by an out-of-control bus. Following the accident, enraged locals pursued the vehicle and set it ablaze, causing widespread disruption along the major thoroughfare.

The victim, 78-year-old Md. Sirajul Haque, a resident of Mohichail village in Chandina Upazila, was crossing the highway near Kabila in Burichang Upazila when he was struck by a high-speed bus travelling from Comilla to Gauripur. He succumbed to his injuries instantly at the scene.

Following the accident, local residents, armed with motorcycles and microbuses, chased the offending bus to the Korpai area. Upon intercepting it, they evacuated the passengers and set the bus on fire in protest. The blaze created a severe traffic jam, stretching approximately 20 kilometres along both sides of the highway.

Emergency response teams quickly arrived at the scene. Two units from the Chandina Fire Service managed to control the fire, while a contingent from the Bangladesh Army and officers from the Moynamati Highway Crossing Police Station secured the area. Subsequently, normal traffic flow resumed, albeit after a significant delay.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdul Mumin of Moynamati Highway Police confirmed that the bus driver fled the scene immediately following the incident. The burned-out vehicle has since been recovered and taken to the police station for further investigation. Authorities have confirmed that legal action will be pursued against those responsible.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding road safety along one of Bangladesh’s busiest highways. Local residents have urged transport authorities to enforce stricter regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

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