A tragic road accident in Laxmipur has claimed the life of a 10-year-old schoolgirl, raising urgent concerns over road safety in the district. The incident also left an auto-rickshaw driver seriously injured, highlighting the dangers posed by high-speed vehicles on busy regional roads.
The accident occurred on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, at approximately 9:15 a.m., near the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) building on the Laxmipur–Dhaka regional highway. The deceased, Afrin Akter Kakoli, was a student of Shishu Angan School and the daughter of Akter Patua. She was travelling in an auto-rickshaw driven by Mohammad Raju when the collision took place.
According to eyewitnesses and police reports, a speeding dumper truck struck the auto-rickshaw, causing it to crumple severely. Both Afrin and Raju were critically injured. Local residents promptly transported them to Laxmipur Sadar Hospital, where doctors pronounced Afrin dead on arrival. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, Raju was transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for specialised treatment.
The officer-in-charge of Laxmipur Sadar Model Police Station, Ohid Parvez, confirmed that the dumper truck involved in the accident had been seized. However, the truck driver fled the scene and remains at large. The Road and Highway Police have launched a full investigation into the incident.
Authorities have cited excessive speed and insufficient safety measures as key factors in the tragedy. “This incident underscores the urgent need for robust road safety policies to protect children and pedestrians,” an official stated.
Road safety experts have long warned of the risks faced by schoolchildren along busy highways. Recommended measures include traffic calming initiatives, secure pedestrian crossings, and strict enforcement of speed limits. Public awareness campaigns are also considered crucial to preventing similar accidents in the future.
Preliminary Accident Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Accident | 27 January 2026 |
| Time | 09:15 a.m. |
| Location | LGED area, Laxmipur–Dhaka regional highway |
| Deceased | Afrin Akter (10 years old) |
| Injured | Mohammad Raju (auto-rickshaw driver) |
| Medical Response | Transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital |
| Accident Type | Auto-rickshaw struck by dumper truck |
| Police Comment | Dumper truck seized; driver at large; highway police investigating |
Road safety advocates have described the incident as a stark warning for vulnerable pedestrians, particularly children. They emphasise that urgent steps—such as implementing speed regulations, constructing safe pedestrian routes, and raising public awareness—are essential to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.