A fatal road accident on the Chattogram–Kaptai highway on Sunday night (12 April) escalated into violence after a bus collided head-on with a CNG-run autorickshaw, leaving one man dead and triggering arson attacks that destroyed two passenger buses.
The deceased has been identified as Nazrul Islam (40), an autorickshaw driver from Mir Dhar Para village under West Gujra union in Raozan upazila. Another passenger in the three-wheeler sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
The incident occurred around 10:45 pm in the Maijje Mia Ghat area of Urkirchar union in Raozan, causing immediate disruption to traffic along the busy regional route.
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How the accident unfolded
Eyewitnesses reported that the collision took place when a CNG-run autorickshaw travelling towards Patharhat attempted to overtake another vehicle and veered into the path of an oncoming bus operated by “Saudia Paribahan”, which was travelling from Kaptai.
The impact of the collision was severe, leaving the autorickshaw badly mangled. Nazrul Islam died at the scene due to the force of the impact, while the injured passenger was pulled from the wreckage with the assistance of bystanders.
A local volunteer organiser, Rashedul Islam, said he and others rushed to help rescue the victims from the damaged vehicle before emergency services arrived.
Violence erupts after crash
Although police reached the scene shortly after the accident, tensions escalated rapidly. A group of angry locals allegedly set fire to the involved bus in protest. The blaze quickly spread, engulfing a second nearby passenger bus identified as “Karnaphuli Express”, which was also preparing for a journey from Chandraghona to Chattogram city.
Both vehicles were eventually burned to ashes before fire service teams and additional police units could fully bring the situation under control.
Authorities confirmed that traffic movement on the Chattogram–Kaptai road came to a complete halt following the incident, causing significant disruption for late-night travellers.
Official response
Sub-Inspector Mamun Bhuiyan, Officer-in-Charge of Noapara Police Outpost, confirmed the fatality and subsequent arson attack.
“One autorickshaw driver died in the accident. Following the incident, agitated locals set fire to two buses,” he said. “We are working to restore normal traffic movement and bring the situation under control.”
Police and fire service personnel remained deployed at the scene late into the night as efforts continued to clear the wreckage and stabilise the situation.
Incident overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Chattogram–Kaptai Road, Maijje Mia Ghat area, Raozan |
| Time | Around 10:45 pm, Sunday (12 April) |
| Deceased | Nazrul Islam (40), autorickshaw driver |
| Injured | 1 passenger (seriously injured) |
| Vehicles involved | CNG autorickshaw, Saudia Paribahan bus |
| Damaged vehicles | 2 buses (burned) |
| Secondary vehicle | Karnaphuli Express bus |
| Police unit | Noapara Police Outpost |
Road safety concerns highlighted
The tragic incident once again underscores persistent road safety challenges on regional highways, where reckless overtaking, mixed traffic conditions, and narrow road sections frequently contribute to severe accidents.
Authorities are expected to investigate both the cause of the collision and the subsequent arson attack, as well as assess potential lapses in traffic management and emergency response coordination.
At the time of reporting, traffic on the Chattogram–Kaptai route remained suspended, with officials working to restore normal movement and prevent further unrest in the area.