Night Highway Tragedy Claims Two Brothers

A devastating road accident in northern Bangladesh has left two brothers dead and a child critically injured after they were struck by a speeding truck while walking home at night, sparking widespread grief and renewed concerns over highway safety.

The incident took place at approximately 11:00 pm on Tuesday along the Nilphamari–Syedpur highway in the Eastern Sutipara Jamtoli area of Nilphamari district. According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, three pedestrians were returning on foot after visiting the Darowani Textile Market in the district town when a heavy truck approached from behind at high speed and hit them without warning.

Witnesses described the collision as sudden and catastrophic. The truck reportedly either lost control or failed to detect the pedestrians in time, resulting in all three being run over. The impact proved fatal for two of the victims, who died instantly at the scene, while the third sustained severe injuries.

The deceased have been identified as 19-year-old Sihab Hossain and his six-year-old brother Md Soaad, both sons of Tarekul Islam from the West Kuchiamor area of Nilphamari Sadar upazila. The injured child, 10-year-old Md Hossain, son of Stalin Islam from the same locality, was rushed to Nilphamari 250-bed General Hospital by local residents before emergency responders arrived.

Eyewitnesses said the scene was horrific, with villagers rushing to the highway immediately after the crash upon hearing the impact. They found the two brothers lying motionless on the road, while the injured boy was still alive and crying for help. He was quickly transported to hospital, where he remains under treatment in critical condition.

Police confirmed that the truck driver fled the scene immediately after the accident, abandoning the vehicle. Law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation and are working to trace and apprehend the driver. The vehicle has been seized as part of ongoing legal proceedings. After formal procedures, the bodies of the deceased were handed over to their family members.

Authorities and local residents have expressed concern over the increasing number of fatal road accidents on this highway, particularly during night-time hours when visibility is poor and heavy vehicles frequently travel at high speed. Community members have also pointed to inadequate street lighting, limited enforcement of speed regulations, and lack of pedestrian safeguards as key contributing factors.

Victims and Injured

The tragedy has reignited calls from residents, transport safety advocates, and local leaders for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improved pedestrian infrastructure along highways, and tougher penalties for reckless driving. Authorities have assured that a full investigation is underway and that appropriate legal action will follow once the driver is apprehended.