A man was killed and another seriously injured after a turmeric-laden jeep, locally known as a “Chander Gari”, lost control and plunged into a ravine in the remote hill region of Bilaichhari in Rangamati district.
The accident occurred late on Tuesday night, 12 May, in the 25-kilometre Latapahar area along a remote border road in Farua Union, according to police and local sources.
The deceased was identified as Md. Abdus Salam, 60, also known as Salam Majhi. He was the son of the late Abdul Jalil of Shafipur Munshipara in Bangalhalia Union under Rajsthali Upazila. The injured driver, Bellal Hossain, 38, is the son of Kabir Ahmad and a resident of the same Munshipara area in Bangalhalia Union.
Police and local residents said the jeep had been transporting turmeric from the Farua area of Bilaichhari to Chattogram city when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Latapahar. The vehicle subsequently fell into a hill ravine beside the road.
Abdus Salam, who was travelling in the vehicle, died at the scene. Driver Bellal Hossain sustained serious injuries in the crash.
Following the accident, local residents carried out the initial rescue operation and transported the injured driver to Rajsthali Upazila Health Complex. Due to the severity of his condition, doctors later referred him to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
The road where the accident occurred is a difficult mountainous route commonly used for transporting agricultural products from remote areas of Rangamati district. Vehicles known locally as “Chander Gari” are frequently used in the hill tracts for carrying passengers and goods across steep and narrow roads where conventional transport services remain limited.
Officer-in-Charge Khaled Hossain of Rajsthali Police Station confirmed the incident. He said the damaged vehicle would be recovered and taken to the police station. He also stated that the victim’s body had been handed over to family members as no complaint had been lodged by relatives regarding the incident.
Accident Summary
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 25-km Latapahar area, Farua Union, Bilaichhari, Rangamati |
| Date and Time | Late night, Tuesday, 12 May |
| Vehicle Type | Turmeric-laden “Chander Gari” jeep |
| Deceased | Md. Abdus Salam (60), also known as Salam Majhi |
| Injured | Driver Bellal Hossain (38) |
| Destination | Chattogram city |
| Initial Treatment | Rajsthali Upazila Health Complex |
| Referred Hospital | Chattogram Medical College Hospital |
| Police Statement | Vehicle to be recovered and taken to police station |