A tragic road accident in Mahadebpur, Nawganj, claimed the lives of five people on Saturday morning (31 January), leaving one other critically injured. The incident occurred at around 8:00 a.m. when a sand-laden dump truck collided with two battery-operated vans carrying local produce.
The deceased have been identified as: Sanchu Urao (48), son of Mangra Urao; Bipul Pahan (22), son of Jutuya Pahan; Biren (50), son of Khoka Pahan; Ujjal Pahan (24), son of Naren Pahan; and Biplob (22), son of Anil Pahan. All hailed from Nurpur village in Enayetpur Union of Mahadebpur. The critically injured, Samanta (30), son of Romesh from the same village, was driving one of the vans at the time.
According to local police and eyewitnesses, several farmers and traders were transporting raw turmeric and eggplants to Mahadebpur market in the early hours of Saturday. When the convoy reached the Patkathi-Shibpur area, the oncoming dump truck, heading towards Najipur, lost control and forcefully rammed into the two vans.
Three people were killed instantly at the scene, while four others were critically injured. Local residents and emergency responders rushed the injured to Mahadebpur Upazila Health Complex. Unfortunately, two more succumbed to their injuries en route to the hospital.
Mahadebpur police confirmed that the dump truck driver fled the scene immediately after the crash. The truck has since been impounded, and an investigation is underway to determine the precise cause of the accident and whether negligence or speeding played a role.
The details of those affected are summarised below:
| No. | Name | Age | Parent’s Name | Village | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanchu Urao | 48 | Mangra Urao | Nurpur | Deceased |
| 2 | Bipul Pahan | 22 | Jutuya Pahan | Nurpur | Deceased |
| 3 | Biren | 50 | Khoka Pahan | Nurpur | Deceased |
| 4 | Ujjal Pahan | 24 | Naren Pahan | Nurpur | Deceased |
| 5 | Biplob | 22 | Anil Pahan | Nurpur | Deceased |
| 6 | Samanta | 30 | Romesh | Nurpur | Critically Injured |
Local residents expressed shock and grief over the accident, highlighting the need for stricter traffic controls and better regulation of heavy vehicles on rural roads. Mahadebpur authorities have pledged to review road safety measures in the area to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Hospital officials reported that Samanta remains in critical condition, and further treatment may be required at a larger medical facility. Community members are calling for awareness campaigns to educate drivers about road safety and the dangers of overloading vehicles in rural markets.
This accident marks one of the deadliest road incidents in the district in recent months, underscoring ongoing concerns over traffic management and road safety in Bangladesh’s rural regions.