At least four people, including a woman and a child, have been killed and two others critically injured in a devastating road accident on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway in Cumilla’s Burichang upazila on Thursday evening.
The fatal collision occurred at around 7pm in the Kalakchuya area, in front of the Miami Hotel, when a passenger bus collided with a private car, leaving the smaller vehicle severely crushed and virtually unrecognisable.
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Sudden Collision Leaves Car Mangled
Police confirmed that the accident involved a passenger bus operated by “Star Line” transport. Witnesses and officials stated that the bus struck the private car with significant force, completely destroying the vehicle on impact.
The driver of the private car died instantly at the scene. Three additional occupants were later pronounced dead after being taken to hospital. Authorities suspect that the victims may have been members of the same family, possibly a father, mother and child, although this has yet to be officially verified.
Two more passengers, including a child, sustained critical injuries in the crash. Emergency responders rescued them from the wreckage and transported them to Cumilla Cantonment General Hospital and Cumilla Medical College Hospital, where they remain under medical care.
Casualties and Impact Overview
| Category | Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Total fatalities | 4 | Died at scene and in hospital |
| Seriously injured | 2 | Receiving treatment |
| Vehicle involved | Private car | Severely damaged |
| Bus operator | Star Line | Inter-district service |
Traffic Disruption and Emergency Response
The crash caused significant disruption to traffic along the busy highway, with the wreckage obstructing a major section of the road. Vehicles were stranded for a period of time, leading to congestion and delays for commuters travelling between Dhaka and Chattogram.
Personnel from the Moinamoti Highway Police Station arrived promptly at the scene, secured the area, and coordinated the removal of the damaged vehicle to restore traffic flow.
Officer-in-Charge Md Abdul Momin confirmed that the private car was struck either from behind or the side by the speeding bus, resulting in catastrophic damage and multiple fatalities.
Investigation Under Way
Authorities have not yet formally identified the deceased, as efforts continue to confirm their identities and inform their families. A full investigation has been launched to determine the precise cause of the crash.
Police are examining whether excessive speed, reckless driving, or possible mechanical failure contributed to the collision. The section of highway where the incident occurred is known for heavy traffic volumes, particularly on long-distance intercity routes, and has witnessed several serious accidents in recent years.
Officials have once again urged transport operators and drivers to exercise greater caution and comply strictly with road safety regulations, highlighting the persistent risks faced by travellers on one of the country’s busiest national highways.
As inquiries continue, the tragedy has reignited concerns over road safety standards and enforcement on major transport corridors across the country.