At least seven people were killed, and more than 40 were injured in three separate bus accidents in Chittagong, Tangail, and Jhalokathi districts on Thursday night.
In Anwara of Chittagong, two women were killed and up to 20 injured when a speeding passenger bus rammed into several CNG-run auto-rickshaws near the tunnel junction.
Witnesses said the bus veered off the road, crushing six auto-rickshaws and hitting a roadside tea stall. Victims Polie Dutta and Ifa Shil died after being rushed to Anwara Upazila Health Complex.
Police and fire service confirmed that several of the injured were later transferred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
In Madhupur of Tangail, three people, including a woman and a child, were killed when a Jamalpur- bound Crown Deluxe bus collided head-on with a sand-laden truck at Raktipara around 10pm.
The deceased were identified as Razia Begum, Setu Akter, and eight-year-old Tajbir. Seventeen others, including Tajbir’s father, were injured.
Rescue teams from police, fire service, and locals rushed the victims to Madhupur Upazila Health Complex, where one more was declared dead. Seven critically injured patients were later referred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.
In Rajapur of Jhalokathi, two passengers died and four were injured when a Dhaka-bound Barisal Express bus collided head-on with a Mahindra three-wheeler at BoroKaibartakhali Cooperative area around 10:30pm.
The victims were identified as Mehedi of Pirojpur and English teacher ABM Abdur Rahim of Kachua of Jhalokathi.
Witnesses said the bus fled the scene after the crash, while the Mahindra driver went into hiding. Police and fire service recovered the bodies and sent the injured to Rajapur Upazila Health Complex.
Authorities concerned in all three districts confirmed legal measures are underway and reiterated concerns over reckless driving and poor road safety.