Three people, including a member of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), were killed and at least 50 others injured in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and a RAB minibus on the Barisal-Patuakhali-Kuakata highway early Saturday morning.
The accident occurred around 8:30am near Fatullah Bus Stand in Sadar upazila of Patuakhali district.
The deceased were identified as a two-year-old child named Piash, Assistant Sub-Inspector Alim—who was driving the RAB vehicle—and Afroza Begum, a civilian passenger.
According to Squadron Leader Md Rashedul Islam, commanding officer of RAB in Patuakhali, the RAB minibus was carrying 13 personnel en route to Kuakata for a picnic when it collided head-on with a Dhansiri Paribahan bus traveling from Kuakata.
Md Imtiaz, officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station, confirmed that the collision left one child dead on the spot and injured 52 others.
The RAB driver and Afroza Begum succumbed to their injuries while being transported to Barisal.
Emergency responders from the police, RAB, Bangladesh Army, and local fire services rushed to the scene to assist with rescue operations.
Thirty-four of the injured were admitted to Patuakhali Medical College and Hospital, while 15 others received treatment at Lebukhali Combined Military Hospital.
Five critically injured victims were transferred to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital.
Additional Superintendent of Police Sajedul Islam reported that the accident caused severe traffic congestion on both sides of the highway, disrupting travel for several hours.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision and have urged drivers to exercise caution on the busy highway corridor.