Pickup Van Loses Control, Elderly Man Killed

A tragic road accident occurred late on Saturday night in Jiddabazar, under Lokkharchar Union of Chokoria Upazila, Cox’s Bazar, claiming the life of 70-year-old Rafiqul Alam. Around 11:45 pm to 12:00 am, Rafiqul was sitting at a tea stall near his home, enjoying an evening conversation with local residents, when a pickup van lost control on the Chittagong–Cox’s Bazar highway and crashed into the stall.

The impact left Rafiqul seriously injured. He was initially taken to a nearby hospital, but due to the severity of his injuries, doctors decided to transfer him to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Tragically, he passed away en route. Another local resident, 45-year-old Ruhul Amin, was also injured in the incident and is currently receiving treatment at a local medical facility.

Incident Details

Rafiqul’s nephew, Mainuddin Hasan, described the sequence of events:

“The van suddenly lost control and drove straight into the tea stall. My uncle suffered injuries to his head and other parts of his body. Thankfully, we were able to rescue him and another injured man immediately.”

Local residents reportedly intervened promptly, detaining the van and its driver. However, the driver was later released. The vehicle itself remains at the accident site in Jiddabazar.

Victims’ Information

Chiringa Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Ariful Amin, confirmed the death and stated that police are negotiating with local residents to bring the van under official custody. Authorities have assured that legal proceedings will follow based on the complaint lodged by the family of the deceased.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns over road safety in the region, particularly along busy stretches of the Chittagong–Cox’s Bazar highway. Residents have repeatedly voiced fears about high-speed vehicles and lack of proper traffic control, warning that such tragedies could recur without stricter enforcement measures.

Local community members expressed deep sorrow at Rafiqul Alam’s untimely death, describing him as a well-known and respected figure in the area. Officials have urged drivers to exercise caution, particularly near roadside stalls and pedestrian areas, to prevent further loss of life.

The authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident while coordinating with local community leaders to ensure the vehicle is secured and any legal action is taken.