Fatal Collision: Three Die in Shreemangal Crash

In a tragic late-night incident in Shreemangal Upazila, Moulvibazar, three people lost their lives when a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw collided head-on with a high-speed pickup truck. The accident occurred on Friday, 20 February, at around midnight in the bustling Bherab Bazar area, a major thoroughfare in the town.

Local witnesses reported that the auto-rickshaw was travelling from Moulvibazar towards Shreemangal when the pickup truck, coming from the opposite direction, crashed into it. The impact was so severe that the auto-rickshaw was completely crushed, leaving the front portion mangled and the driver’s cabin heavily compressed.

Rescue efforts were immediate, with passersby and local residents attempting to transport the injured to Moulvibazar 250-Bed General Hospital. Unfortunately, all three victims succumbed to their injuries before reaching medical care. Dr. Arif, duty doctor at the hospital’s emergency department, confirmed, “All three arrived in critical condition. Despite our efforts, their lives could not be saved. The bodies have been kept in the hospital morgue.”

The victims have been identified as follows:

Saiful Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Moulvibazar Model Police Station, stated that the Fire Service personnel retrieved the victims’ bodies from the site. He added, “If any formal complaints are filed, legal action will be taken accordingly. An investigation into the cause of the accident is currently underway.”

The local administration has initiated an immediate inquiry, urging drivers to exercise greater caution on busy roads. In addition, the Moulvibazar district authorities have issued directives to limit high-speed vehicles and promote road safety awareness among drivers.

Residents emphasised that the tragedy underscores the critical need for speed control, vigilant driving, and regular vehicle maintenance. Many have called for the installation of adequate traffic signals and stricter enforcement measures on this busy route to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The collision has cast a shadow of grief over the local community, with families and neighbours mourning the sudden loss of life. Authorities have pledged to enhance road safety measures following the investigation, highlighting the ongoing challenges in preventing fatal traffic accidents in the region.

This single night of tragedy claimed three lives, leaving Shreemangal residents in profound mourning and serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of speeding and crowded roads.