The death toll in the head-on collision between a microbus and CNG-run auto-rickshaw on Sylhet-Bholaganj road at Salutikor under Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet district on Thursday has increased to seven.
Among the deceased, six are men and one woman. Three of the deceased have been identified as Kazi Amir Uddin, 39, CNG driver Kalon Mia, 36, and Md Idris Ali.
Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital Deputy Director Dr Soumitra Chakraborty confirmed the information.
He said that six people died before reaching the hospital. One died in hospital in critical condition. Now four more are admitted. However, their condition is not serious.
KM Nazrul Islam, officer-in-charge of Gowainghat police station, said: “Five people died on the spot in the accident that took place around 8:30am. Besides, three others were injured. After rescuing the injured, another person died on the way to MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital in Sylhet.”
He said that besides the police, the fire service also carried out rescue operations.
Stating that the death toll may increase, Sylhet Fire Service Assistant Director Shafiqul Islam Bhuya said: “The microbus and the autorickshaw fell into the nearby canal. All the passengers of the two vehicles were injured."
