A tragic road accident in Kalihaat, Tangail, on Sunday afternoon (15 February) claimed the lives of two individuals, including a van driver. The deceased have been identified as Amir Ali, 40, son of Amjad Hossain of Gohaliyabari village, and Sharif, 41, son of Abdul Mannan from the same village.
According to local police and eyewitnesses, a private car travelling from Dhaka to northern Bangladesh collided violently with a passenger van while the latter was attempting to cross the road in the Jokarchor area. The impact caused both the van driver and the passenger to be thrown onto the road, sustaining severe injuries. They were promptly rescued by locals and rushed to Tangail General Hospital. Sharif was declared dead on arrival, while Amir Ali succumbed to his injuries on the way to Dhaka for advanced medical treatment.
Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Shariful Islam of the Jamuna Bridge East Police Station confirmed the incident. He stated, “Preliminary investigations suggest that excessive speed and lack of caution during the van’s crossing were the main factors. The driver of the private car has been detained, and legal proceedings are underway.”
Locals highlighted that Jokarchor is a narrow stretch with heavy vehicular movement, increasing the risk of accidents. The route has a long history of road mishaps, particularly involving collisions between passenger vans and private cars.
A brief overview of major road accidents in Tangail over recent years is provided below:
| Year | Total Accidents | Fatalities | Seriously Injured | Minor Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 120 | 52 | 30 | 80 |
| 2021 | 135 | 61 | 40 | 90 |
| 2022 | 148 | 73 | 45 | 100 |
| 2023 | 155 | 80 | 50 | 125 |
Experts warn that without proper traffic management and rapid emergency response, accidents in Jokarchor are likely to recur. They advocate for regular road inspections, installation of speed breakers, and heightened public awareness to ensure road safety.
Families of the deceased are making arrangements for local and familial funeral rites. Local authorities and police have pledged to take swift measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of road safety and the need for vigilance by all road users.