A tragic road accident in the New Bridge area of Karnafuli Upazila in Chattogram has claimed the lives of a father and his son after a head-on collision between a pickup van and a motorcycle on Tuesday morning. The incident has left relatives, neighbours and local residents in deep mourning, while authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m. near the first staircase adjacent to the Karnafuli New Bridge. A motorcycle carrying 75-year-old Durgapada Mallik and his 47-year-old son Bidhan Mallik collided with a pickup van travelling in the opposite direction towards Moijjartek.
The impact was reportedly severe. Durgapada Mallik, who was riding as a passenger on the motorcycle, was thrown onto the roadway and sustained critical injuries. Although local people rushed to the scene and attempted to assist, he died before medical help could be provided.
His son, Bidhan Mallik, who was operating the motorcycle, suffered serious injuries in the collision. Residents and passers-by quickly arranged transportation to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where doctors made efforts to save his life. Despite receiving emergency treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased were residents of Singhara Uttarpara village in Chatari Union under Anwara Upazila. Family members described the loss as devastating, noting that the father and son had been travelling together when the tragedy occurred.
Accident Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near the first staircase of Karnafuli New Bridge, Chattogram |
| Time | Approximately 8:00 a.m., Tuesday |
| Vehicles Involved | Pickup van and motorcycle |
| Fatalities | Durgapada Mallik (75) and Bidhan Mallik (47) |
| Relationship | Father and son |
| Residence | Chatari Union, Anwara Upazila |
| Medical Facility | Chattogram Medical College Hospital |
| Investigating Authority | Karnafuli Police Station |
Preliminary findings indicate that the pickup van driver fled the scene immediately after the collision. Police officers have begun efforts to identify and locate the driver. Investigators are reviewing available evidence, including CCTV footage from nearby locations, witness testimonies and physical evidence collected from the crash site.
Officer-in-Charge Shahinur Zaman of Karnafuli Police Station stated that inquest reports for the victims were being prepared and that a detailed investigation remained underway. Authorities are expected to determine whether excessive speed, reckless driving, road conditions or other factors contributed to the accident.
Road safety specialists frequently warn that bridge approaches and major connecting roads are particularly vulnerable to serious crashes because of heavy traffic volumes and variations in vehicle speed. They argue that stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, improved monitoring systems and greater driver awareness are essential to reducing fatalities.
The accident has also renewed concerns about the growing number of motorcycle-related crashes on highways and regional roads across Bangladesh. Safety advocates continue to call for better rider training, consistent use of protective equipment and stronger enforcement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation progresses, local residents are hoping that those responsible will be held accountable and that lessons from this heartbreaking incident will contribute to improved road safety for all road users.
