Seven Killed After Bus Ploughs Into Workers in Bogura

 The death toll from a devastating road accident on the Bogura–Naogaon regional highway has risen to seven after a passenger bus lost control and crashed into a group of day labourers waiting for work early on Friday morning.

The accident occurred at around 5:30 a.m. in front of Erulia High School in Bogura Sadar Upazila. According to police, several labourers had gathered beside the roadside, as they routinely do each morning in the hope of securing daily employment, when the speeding bus veered off the carriageway and struck them.

Authorities have confirmed the identities of all seven victims. They were Bellal Hossain, 40, from Fapor Madhyapara in Bogura Sadar; Nur Mohammad Sardar, 75, from Narhatta Sardar Para in Kahalu Upazila; Md Anarul Islam, 55, from Kalai Upazila in Joypurhat; Amirul, 40, from Panchbibi Upazila in Joypurhat; Abu Sayed, 45, from Gobindaganj in Gaibandha; Nur Alam, 45, also from Gobindaganj; and Md Tajimul, 47, from Parbatipur Upazila in Dinajpur.

Police said three of the victims died at the scene, while four others later succumbed to their injuries after being taken to Bogura Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital.

Following the incident, Dr Monowarul Kadir Bitu, personal physician to the Prime Minister, visited the hospital to assess the condition of those injured. Accompanied by the hospital director, he met patients receiving treatment and later told reporters that the Prime Minister was deeply concerned after learning of the tragedy.

Dr Bitu said many of the injured had suffered serious head and leg injuries. He added that one patient receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit remained in a critical condition. Those requiring immediate medical attention had already received emergency treatment, while the hospital had been instructed to ensure the availability of all necessary medicines and blood supplies.

He also stated that patients requiring specialised treatment would be referred to hospitals in Dhaka if necessary. According to him, the district administration has already taken administrative steps by forming an official inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Bogura Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ibrahim Ali said preliminary findings suggest the bus driver lost control while attempting to avoid a motorcyclist. The vehicle reportedly struck a roadside utility pole before mounting the roadside and crashing into the waiting labourers.

Investigators are continuing to examine the exact sequence of events, including the driver’s actions, the condition of the vehicle and any other contributing factors.

The fatal crash prompted local residents to stage a protest by blocking the highway and demanding stronger road safety measures. In response, officials from the Roads and Highways Department began constructing a speed breaker at the accident site. The protesters later withdrew their blockade, allowing traffic to resume normal movement.

Police have taken the damaged bus into custody as part of the investigation.

Bogura Deputy Commissioner Md Toufiqur Rahman visited the injured at the hospital and announced financial assistance for those affected by the tragedy. The family of each deceased victim will receive Tk 25,000, while every injured person will receive Tk 15,000.

The district administration has also formed a three-member investigation committee headed by the Additional District Magistrate. The committee has been instructed to submit its findings within three working days.

The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of daily wage earners who gather beside busy highways in search of employment and renewed concerns over road safety on regional highways. Authorities expect the investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident and recommend measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.