A devastating road accident in the Gournadi upazila of Barishal has left two people dead and several others injured after a passenger bus lost control and plunged into a roadside ditch in the early hours of Sunday, 29 March.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. in the Batajor area along the Barishal–Dhaka highway. The bus, operated under the name “Greenview Paribahan”, was travelling from Dhaka towards Barguna when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle. It subsequently veered off the highway and overturned in the adjacent roadside ditch, causing panic among passengers and nearby residents.
The deceased have been identified as Iti Chakrabarty (45), wife of Gurudas Chakrabarty from the Kaunia area of Barishal city, and Pabitra Majumder (50), a well-known businessman from the Kathpatti area who owned a jewellery establishment. Their deaths have cast a pall of grief over the local community, where both were widely respected.
Several other passengers sustained injuries in the crash, including Gurudas Chakrabarty (45) and his 16-year-old daughter Upoma Chakrabarty. Local residents rushed to the scene immediately after the accident and assisted in rescue efforts before emergency services arrived.
Two units of the Gournadi Fire Service, along with highway police personnel, conducted a coordinated rescue operation. The injured were first taken to Gournadi Upazila Health Complex for initial treatment, while those in critical condition were later transferred to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for advanced care.
Authorities reported that traffic movement on the Barishal–Dhaka highway was temporarily disrupted following the crash but was restored after the wreckage was cleared. The overturned bus was later recovered using a crane in the afternoon.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the accident may have been caused by excessive speed, driver fatigue, or a possible mechanical failure. However, officials have confirmed that a full investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the tragedy and to establish whether negligence played a role.
Accident Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Time of Incident | 5:30 a.m., 29 March |
| Location | Batajor area, Gournadi, Barishal |
| Vehicle | Greenview Paribahan passenger bus |
| Route | Dhaka to Barguna |
| Fatalities | 2 persons |
| Injured | At least 2 confirmed, possibly more |
| Rescue Teams | Fire Service, Highway Police |
| Hospitalisation | Gournadi Upazila Health Complex; later referral to Barishal SSMC |
Authorities have stated that appropriate legal action will follow once the investigation is complete. The incident once again highlights concerns over road safety standards, driver fatigue, and vehicle maintenance on long-distance intercity routes in the country.