In a tragic accident in Bagha Upazila, Rajshahi, three people lost their lives and two others were critically injured following a head-on collision between a traditional auto-rickshaw and a motorised three-wheeler (commonly known as a “votvot”). The incident occurred on Monday morning, 9 March, at around 7:00 am on the Bagha-Lalpur road near the residence of Hazrat Ali in Chondipur.
According to police and local sources, the auto-rickshaw, carrying passengers from Nawpara village in Lalpur Upazila, Natore, was travelling towards Bagha when it collided with the oncoming votvot. The impact was so severe that two people died instantly at the scene, while a third succumbed to injuries on the way to hospital.
The injured have been identified as Shahajan Ali (35), son of Nazim Uddin from Andi village, and Seema Begum (50), wife of Abdul Hannan from Chokbaduria village. They were initially taken to Bagha Upazila Health Complex by local residents. However, as their condition deteriorated, both were transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Medical professionals at the Upazila Health Complex described their condition as “critical.”
Eyewitness Alamgir Hossain reported that thick morning fog severely limited visibility on the road, preventing both drivers from seeing each other in time, which led to the devastating collision.
Bagha Police Station Officer-in-Charge Serajul Haque stated that the auto-rickshaw was carrying five passengers from Lalpur to Bagha when it collided with the votvot. He confirmed that the bodies of the deceased have been preserved at the police station and that both vehicles involved in the accident have been recovered.
Summary of the Incident
| Date & Time | Location | Vehicles Involved | Fatalities | Injured (Critical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 March, 07:00 | Chondipur, Bagha-Lalpur Road | Auto-rickshaw & Votvot | 3 | 2 |
The accident has sparked concern among local residents regarding road safety, particularly during foggy conditions in the early morning. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution and maintain reduced speeds during poor visibility.
Police continue to investigate the incident to determine the exact cause and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
