Three Young Men Killed in Rajshahi Highway Crash

Three young men, including two brothers, were killed after the motorcycle they were riding was struck by a speeding sand-laden truck while they were reportedly performing dangerous manoeuvres on a highway in Rajshahi’s Mohanpur upazila.

The fatal accident occurred at around 8:45 pm on Friday (31 July) in front of the main gate of Keshorhat Degree College on the Rajshahi–Naogaon highway. The tragedy has left the local community in mourning, particularly the family that lost two sons in the same incident.

The deceased were identified as Kaiyum Islam Ratul, 18, and his elder brother Swadhin Islam, 22, sons of Rafiz Uddin from Sakoa village under Keshorhat municipality in Mohanpur upazila. The third victim was 22-year-old Limon Hossain, son of Shafiqul Islam from Singhamara village in the same upazila.

Rajshahi District Additional Superintendent of Police Sabina Yasmin said the three young men were travelling on a single motorcycle and were reportedly performing “bauli” stunts on the highway when the accident occurred. At that moment, a fast-moving sand-carrying dump truck travelling from Naogaon towards Rajshahi ran over the motorcycle near Keshorhat Degree College.

The impact was severe. Kaiyum Islam Ratul and Limon Hossain died at the scene due to their injuries. Swadhin Islam, who sustained critical injuries, was rescued by local people and rushed to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Despite doctors’ efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after being admitted.

Police confirmed that Ratul and Swadhin were brothers, making the incident particularly devastating for their family. The driver of the truck fled the scene immediately after the collision, and the vehicle has not yet been traced.

According to officials, police have launched an investigation to identify the truck and locate its driver. Law enforcement officers are collecting evidence and examining the circumstances surrounding the crash as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the bodies of all three victims were taken to the morgue at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examinations. Following completion of the legal formalities, the bodies were handed over to their respective families on Saturday afternoon for burial.

A case has been filed with Mohanpur Police Station in connection with the incident.

Road safety experts have repeatedly warned that performing dangerous stunts or reckless manoeuvres on busy highways significantly increases the risk of fatal collisions. High-speed roads are designed for uninterrupted traffic flow, leaving little opportunity for drivers of heavy vehicles to react to sudden or unpredictable movements by smaller vehicles.

The Mohanpur tragedy serves as another stark reminder of the potentially fatal consequences of risky behaviour on highways. Authorities continue to urge motorists, particularly young riders, to comply with traffic regulations, avoid reckless riding practices and prioritise safety to help prevent similar accidents in the future.