Tragedy struck in Chattogram’s Satkania Upazila on Wednesday morning when a microbus collided with a stationary battery-operated auto-rickshaw, killing two passengers and injuring several others. The accident occurred as the auto-rickshaw was picking up passengers.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident took place around 9:30 am near the BOC Mor intersection, in front of Rajmahal Community Centre, along the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar Highway in Kaliaish Union. The force of the impact was sufficient to cause immediate fatalities and multiple injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Ranjit Dhar, 55, and Babul De, 65, both residents of Ward 2 in Dohazari Municipality. Several others sustained injuries, including Dilip Mallik, Ihsan, Moshiur Rahman, and Tiklu Biswas.
Local residents and bystanders promptly rushed the injured to Dohazari 31-Bed Hospital, where doctors stabilised them before transferring them to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for advanced treatment. Despite rescue efforts, Ranjit Dhar and Babul De were pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
The table below summarises the casualties and injuries:
| Name | Age | Status | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranjit Dhar | 55 | Deceased | Local resident, Dohazari Ward 2 |
| Babul De | 65 | Deceased | Local resident, Dohazari Ward 2 |
| Dilip Mallik | — | Injured | Taken to CMCH |
| Ihsan | — | Injured | Taken to CMCH |
| Moshiur Rahman | — | Injured | Taken to CMCH |
| Tiklu Biswas | — | Injured | Taken to CMCH |
Dohazari Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Salauddin Chowdhury confirmed that both vehicles involved in the accident have been impounded. He added that formal legal proceedings are currently underway to determine liability and ensure justice.
Local authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution along the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar Highway, noting that reckless driving and overcrowded roadside passenger loading contribute significantly to traffic accidents in the region.
This incident has once again raised concerns over road safety in the area, particularly regarding the vulnerability of auto-rickshaw passengers during peak hours. Traffic officials have called for stricter enforcement of speed limits and improved safety measures for roadside vehicle stops.