Six people, including two students of Noakhali Government College, were killed in a tragic road accident when a truck and a CNG-run autorickshaw collided head-on in Kabirhat upazila on Tuesday.
The fatal accident occurred around 2:45pm in front of Islamia Alim Madrasa on the Basurhat-Kabirhat road. The impact caused the autorickshaw to become trapped under the truck, leaving several passengers dead on the spot.
The deceased were identified as Shah Alam, the CNG driver; Tanim Hasan and Israt Jahan, students of Noakhali Government College; and passengers Bibi Kulsum, Jannat, and Sumon.
According to locals, the autorickshaw was travelling from Maijdee, the district headquarters, toward Basurhat Bazar in Companyganj. Upon reaching the madrasa area, it collided head-on with an oncoming truck. Three passengers died instantly, one succumbed to injuries on the way to Kabirhat Upazila Health Complex, and two others died later — one at Kabirhat Hospital and another at Noakhali General Hospital.
One injured passenger is currently undergoing treatment at Noakhali General Hospital.
Witnesses said the CNG was dragged nearly 200 yards after the collision before locals managed to stop the truck and seize it.
Kabirhat Upazila Health Officer Dr Shyamal Kumar Debnath confirmed that three people died on the spot, two more died at Kabirhat Hospital, and one at Noakhali General Hospital.
Kabirhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shahin Mia said police and fire service personnel conducted a rescue operation following the accident. Both vehicles were impounded, but the truck driver fled the scene. “Legal action is being taken,” the OC added.
