Madaripur, 13 January — A tragic road accident on the Dhaka–Barisal Highway in the Tantibari area of Madaripur claimed the lives of three individuals on Tuesday, while a child survived against all odds. One injured van driver has been admitted to Madaripur 250-Bed District Hospital for treatment.
According to police and local sources, the accident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. A covered van, travelling towards Barisal from Tekerhat in Rajair, collided head-on with a passenger battery-operated van on a bridge slope in the Tantibari area. The impact was catastrophic, resulting in the immediate deaths of two people at the scene. Another victim succumbed to injuries after being rushed to hospital.
Among the injured is van driver Roni Khan, who remains under medical care at Madaripur District Hospital. The child, whose identity is currently unknown, was rescued by local residents and survived without serious injuries.
In the aftermath of the accident, relatives of the deceased and local residents staged a protest by blocking the highway and setting tyres ablaze. The demonstration disrupted traffic for nearly two hours before Madaripur Fire Service, the Highway Police, and Mostafapur Highway Police intervened to restore order and reopen the road.
Mostafapur Highway Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mamun Al Rashid stated, “The covered van was heading towards Barisal from Tekerhat, Rajair. It collided head-on with a battery-operated van coming from the opposite direction in the Tantibari area of Sadar Upazila. Three people were killed and three others injured. The covered van fled the scene immediately. We are actively working to identify the vehicle and will take legal action against those responsible.”
Details of Victims and Injured:
| Name | Age | Address | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taslima Begum | 35 | Khamarbari, Ghatmajhi Union | Deceased |
| Kohinur Begum | 45 | Khamarbari, Ghatmajhi Union | Deceased |
| Nayon Hawladar | Unknown | Pantapara, Dasar Upazila | Deceased |
| Roni Khan (Driver) | Unknown | Tantibari, Ghatmajhi Union | Critically Injured, Hospitalised |
| Unknown Child | Unknown | Unknown | Survived |
OC Mamun Al Rashid added that the accident caused significant disruption for commuters across six southern districts. He warned, “The reckless van responsible will be swiftly identified and appropriate legal action will follow. The highway has now returned to normal conditions.”
This devastating incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding road safety, traffic management, and driver vigilance along major highways. Prompt action by local authorities and emergency services ensured that normal traffic flow was restored in a timely manner, but the tragedy underscores the need for stricter safety measures and greater public awareness.