Three people died in a road accident, while a child miraculously survived.

A devastating road accident on the Dhaka–Barisal highway in Madaripur has claimed three lives, while a child miraculously survived the crash. The incident occurred on Tuesday, 13 January, when a covered van collided head-on with a battery-operated passenger van near the bridge at Tantibari in Madaripur.

The collision resulted in the immediate deaths of two passengers at the scene, with a third succumbing to injuries at Madaripur 250-Bed District Hospital. One other passenger, the van driver, remains in critical condition. Local residents rescued the child, who was travelling with the victims, and is reportedly unharmed.

The Dhaka–Barisal highway was temporarily blocked as locals, enraged by the accident, set tyres alight on the road in protest. Traffic was disrupted for nearly two hours before the Fire Service, Highway Police, and Model Thana authorities restored order.

Details of the Victims

The van driver, Roni Khan, son of Billal Khan from Tantibari, Ghatmajhi Union, remains hospitalised in serious condition at Madaripur 250-Bed District Hospital. The identity of the surviving child has not yet been confirmed.

According to Mostafapur Highway Police Officer-in-Charge Mamun Al Rashid, the covered van had been travelling from Tekerhat, Rajair, towards Barisal when it collided with the battery-operated van. The immediate impact killed two passengers at the scene, while three others were injured. One female victim later died in hospital.

Authorities are investigating the incident, but the covered van reportedly fled the scene, and its driver has not yet been identified. Police have assured that efforts are underway to locate the vehicle and bring those responsible to justice.

The highway closure caused considerable disruption for travellers from all six districts of Barisal Division, highlighting ongoing concerns over road safety and emergency response on this busy route.