Four Dead in Jessore Road Collision Involving Covered Van

A devastating road accident on the Jessore-Khulna Highway has resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a child, after a speeding covered van collided with an easy-bike and a motorised van. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in front of the Chaulia petrol pump in Jessore Sadar Upazila, leaving several others injured and sparking significant local unrest.

Incident Overview and Casualties

According to police and eyewitness accounts, a covered van travelling at high speed from Khulna towards Jessore lost control near the Chaulia petrol pump area in Rupdia. The vehicle struck an easy-bike and an engine-powered van coming from the opposite direction. The force of the impact crushed the smaller vehicles beneath the covered van.

Two individuals, the easy-bike driver and a female passenger, died instantly at the scene. Three other critically injured persons were rushed to Jessore General Hospital, where a 70-year-old van driver and a four-year-old boy succumbed to their injuries during treatment.

Table: Details of the Deceased

Medical Status of the Injured

Currently, two individuals remain in critical condition at Jessore General Hospital. Among the survivors is 28-year-old Sajjad Hossain. Dr Shakirul Islam, a Medical Officer at the hospital, confirmed that the condition of the two remaining patients is extremely precarious.

Public Reaction and Law Enforcement Response

Following the collision, tensions escalated rapidly as local residents blocked the highway in protest. The mob set fire to the covered van, resulting in a total suspension of traffic on the Jessore-Khulna Highway for approximately one hour.

The Fire Service and Civil Defence were summoned to the scene. Senior Station Officer Md Firoz Ahmed of the Jessore Fire Station confirmed that one unit successfully extinguished the blaze. Law enforcement, led by the Kotwali Model Police Station, eventually restored order and cleared the blockade.

Inspector Mashum Khan, Officer-in-Charge of Jessore Kotwali Model Police Station, stated that the bodies of the deceased have been moved to the hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations. While the situation has since been brought under control, police remain on-site to ensure the continued safety of the highway.