A serious traffic accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Puthia, Rajshahi, when a passenger bus collided head-on with a military vehicle, leaving one soldier seriously injured. The injured personnel, who was driving the army vehicle at the time, was immediately rushed to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for urgent treatment.
The incident took place at approximately 4:30 pm on the Natore–Rajshahi Highway, near Tarapur Bazar, one of the busier sections of the route. Eyewitnesses reported that the passenger bus struck the military vehicle and fled the scene, leaving the vehicle severely damaged. The force of the impact caused the army vehicle’s front section to crumple, obstructing traffic and creating significant congestion along the highway.
Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response
According to locals, the bus, travelling at high speed, collided with the army vehicle before making a swift exit from the scene. The soldier, trapped inside the vehicle, sustained serious injuries but was quickly rescued by the Puthia Fire Service and transported to hospital.
Sarwar Hossain, Warehouse Inspector at Puthia Fire Service, confirmed the rescue, stating, “Upon receiving the emergency call in the afternoon, we immediately rushed to the site and evacuated the injured soldier, who was then sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for treatment.”
Following the accident, officers from Paba Highway Police Station and the fire service worked to clear the wreckage and restore traffic flow, which had been stalled for nearly an hour due to the obstructed highway.
Accident Impact Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 11 March, 4:30 pm |
| Location | Tarapur Bazar, Puthia, Rajshahi |
| Vehicles Involved | Passenger bus, military vehicle |
| Injuries | 1 soldier (driver), serious condition |
| Emergency Response | Puthia Fire Service, Paba Highway Police |
| Traffic Disruption | Approx. 1 hour |
| Vehicle Damage | Military vehicle front crumpled; bus fled |
The collision has prompted concern among local commuters and residents, highlighting issues of road safety and reckless driving on national highways. Authorities have indicated that preliminary investigations point to high speed and loss of control as primary factors behind the accident.
Officials are continuing to monitor the soldier’s condition, while emergency services and police are urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future. The army has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident, but the prompt response by local authorities has been credited with preventing further injuries and clearing the congested highway efficiently.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by high-speed vehicles on busy highways and underscores the need for vigilance by both military and civilian drivers.