A tragic road accident occurred on Thursday, 15 January, in Tungipara, Gopalganj, when a Mahindra vehicle collided head-on with a battery-operated three-wheeler (commonly known as an e-rickshaw). The crash claimed the life of a three-month-old infant, Rishi Majumdar, and left six others injured. The infant, who was travelling in the Mahindra vehicle, was the son of Rai Mohan Majumdar from the village of Jowaria.
According to local sources, the accident took place around midday on the Tungipara-Kotalipara road at Jowaria, a narrow stretch of the highway prone to traffic congestion. Eyewitnesses reported that the Mahindra vehicle, reportedly travelling at high speed, collided with the oncoming e-rickshaw, causing severe impact.
Tungipara Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Mohammad Ayub Ali, confirmed the incident and said, “Preliminary investigations suggest that excessive speed and loss of control may have caused this unfortunate collision. We are examining all factors, including vehicle conditions and driver behaviour.”
The injured individuals were immediately rushed to local health facilities. Their conditions vary, with some in stable condition while others are reported to be in serious condition. The table below summarises the details of those affected:
| Victim | Age (Approx.) | Condition | Treatment Facility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injured 1 | 28 years | Stable | Tungipara Health Centre |
| Injured 2 | 35 years | Serious | Gopalganj Sadar Hospital |
| Injured 3 | 42 years | Stable | Tungipara Health Centre |
| Injured 4 | 18 years | Stable | Gopalganj Sadar Hospital |
| Injured 5 | 50 years | Serious | Gopalganj Sadar Hospital |
| Injured 6 | 30 years | Stable | Tungipara Health Centre |
| Deceased | 3 months | Fatal | N/A |
Residents of Jowaria and surrounding areas have expressed concern over the safety of the Tungipara-Kotalipara road, citing its narrowness and frequent traffic as significant hazards. Local authorities have urged drivers to adhere to speed limits and maintain safe distances between vehicles, while the police have launched a full investigation into the accident.
Road safety experts say that incidents such as this highlight the urgent need for improved traffic management and stricter enforcement of safety regulations on rural highways. They emphasise that measures such as road widening, warning signs, and speed control can significantly reduce the risk of fatal accidents in the future.
This heartbreaking incident once again underscores the vulnerability of infants and other passengers on roads with high traffic density and limited safety measures. Authorities have pledged to implement preventive steps to ensure safer travel for residents in Gopalganj.