Pedestrian Killed in Comilla, Bus Set Ablaze by Angry Locals

A tragic incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon along the Dhaka–Chittagong Highway in Comilla, when a pedestrian was fatally struck by an out-of-control bus. In the aftermath, enraged locals pursued the vehicle and set it on fire.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 pm in Kabila, a locality within Burichang Upazila. The deceased, identified as 78-year-old Md. Sirajul Haque of Mohichail village, Chandina Upazila, was crossing the highway when a fast-moving New Ekta Paribahan bus, travelling from Comilla towards Gauripur, struck him. He died instantly at the scene.

According to local sources, the enraged public, witnessing the accident, mobilised using microbuses and motorcycles to chase the errant vehicle. The bus was eventually intercepted at Korpai, and its passengers were evacuated before the vehicle was set ablaze in protest. The blaze caused a significant disruption, blocking traffic across a 20-kilometre stretch of the highway.

Emergency services responded promptly. Two units from the Chandina Fire Service arrived on the scene to extinguish the flames. Additionally, a military team and officers from the Moynamati Highway Crossing Police Station secured the area and restored normal traffic flow later in the evening.

Inspector Abdul Mumin, Officer-in-Charge of Moynamati Highway Police Station, confirmed that the bus driver fled immediately following the collision. “The burnt-out bus has been recovered and taken to the police station for further investigation,” he said. “Legal action will be taken against the driver once apprehended.”

The incident has sparked outrage among locals, highlighting growing concerns over road safety and reckless driving along the national highway. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, while ensuring that justice is pursued through proper legal channels.

Incident Summary Table