A devastating three-vehicle collision occurred in the Rampur area of Feni on the Dhaka–Chittagong highway early on Sunday morning, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and leaving five others critically injured. The accident involved a bus, an ambulance, and a motorcycle, creating chaos on the busy highway. The bodies of the deceased have been kept at Feni Sadar Hospital morgue, while police continue efforts to identify both the victims and the injured.
According to Asadul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Mohipal Highway Police Station, the incident took place around 4:00 a.m. on 22 March in a lane under maintenance on the Chittagong-bound stretch. At the time, an ambulance was crossing the lane at a slow pace when a Shyamoli Transport bus collided with it from behind. A verbal altercation ensued between the bus and ambulance drivers, causing congestion that trapped a motorcycle and several other buses behind them.
Moments later, a Doyel Transport bus, travelling at high speed, crashed into the queue, triggering a violent collision involving the bus, ambulance, and motorcycle. The crash claimed the lives of a motorcycle rider, a bus supervisor, and a passenger, while five others sustained serious injuries. Hospital authorities confirmed that two of the injured are in a critical condition and are receiving intensive care.
Police and local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident and assign responsibility. Preliminary reports suggest that the collision was a result of lane maintenance, slow-moving emergency vehicles, and reckless driving by a speeding bus. Local residents have voiced concerns over the increasing number of accidents on the Dhaka–Chittagong highway, particularly during early morning hours.
Summary of Vehicles Involved in the Collision
| Vehicle Type | Operator / Description | Role in Accident |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | Shyamoli Transport | Rear-ended ambulance; initiated congestion |
| Ambulance | Local hospital service | Slow-moving; caught in initial collision |
| Motorcycle | Private rider | Trapped in congestion; fatality |
| Bus | Doyel Transport | High-speed collision with queued vehicles |
Authorities have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially in areas under maintenance or where traffic is prone to congestion. The accident highlights persistent safety concerns on one of the country’s busiest highways, emphasising the need for stricter traffic regulations and speed control measures.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by both public transport users and emergency service vehicles on the Dhaka–Chittagong route. Police have requested witnesses to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation.
The collision in Feni underscores the urgent need for improved road safety protocols, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced monitoring of commercial and emergency vehicles to prevent future tragedies.
