Lorry Crushes Auto Driver in Gafargaon

A 27-year-old auto-rickshaw driver was killed after being run over by a speeding lorry in the upazila of Gafargaon, prompting renewed concerns about road safety in semi-urban market areas. The fatal collision occurred at approximately 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday (4 March) at Shibganj Bazar along the busy Gafargaon–Bhaluka regional road.

The deceased, identified as Md Sakib, hailed from South Doli Hor village under Hossainpur Police Station in Kishoreganj district. He was the son of Hak Mia and had been working as a locally hired auto-rickshaw (commonly known as a “tomtom”) driver to support his family. Relatives described him as the sole earning member of his household.

Circumstances of the Accident

According to eyewitness accounts, Sakib had pulled over by the roadside at Shibganj Bazar to pick up or drop off passengers. At that moment, a lorry travelling at considerable speed reportedly veered towards the shoulder and struck his vehicle. The impact proved fatal, and Sakib died at the scene before any medical assistance could be rendered.

Local residents immediately intervened, managing to halt the lorry amid mounting public alarm. While the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled, the helper—identified as Rony—was apprehended by bystanders and later handed over to police. The lorry itself was seized.

Officers from Gafargaon Police Station arrived shortly afterwards, recovered the body, and initiated formal procedures, including preparations for a post-mortem examination. The detained helper was taken into custody for questioning.

The Officer-in-Charge of Gafargaon Police Station, ASM Atikur Rahman, confirmed that legal proceedings were underway and that efforts were continuing to trace and arrest the absconding driver.

Incident Overview

Wider Safety Concerns

Residents allege that excessive speeding by heavy vehicles along the Gafargaon–Bhaluka corridor has become increasingly common, particularly during morning trading hours when markets are crowded with pedestrians and small vehicles. The absence of consistent speed enforcement, designated stopping bays, and visible traffic control measures has reportedly heightened the risk of such tragedies.

Road safety advocates argue that rural and peri-urban highways require stricter monitoring, improved signage, and better regulation of commercial transport operators. Without systematic enforcement and driver accountability, they warn, fatal incidents of this nature are likely to persist.

Sakib’s untimely death has left his family in profound grief and once again underscores the pressing need for strengthened traffic management and responsible driving practices across Bangladesh’s regional road networks.