Lorry and Auto-rickshaw Collision Kills Two in Mymensingh

A tragic road traffic accident on the Mymensingh–Netrokona regional highway has claimed the lives of two individuals, including a young child, following a high-impact head-on collision. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, 21 April 2026, at approximately 7:30 pm in the Shambhuganj area of Mymensingh city.

The collision involved a freight-carrying lorry and a passenger-laden three-wheeler, locally referred to as a “Mahindra.” The crash took place specifically in front of the BRAC School at Swapnar Mor, a known transit point on the busy regional artery.

Details of the Fatality and Injuries

According to reports from the Kotwali Model Police Station and the Mymensingh Fire Service, the impact was so severe that the auto-rickshaw was reduced to a mangled wreck. A woman, estimated to be approximately 45 years of age, and an 18-month-old toddler were pronounced dead at the scene.

The toddler’s mother was amongst the three survivors who sustained critical injuries. Senior officials confirmed that she suffered a compound fracture to her arm and remains in a state of severe shock. Bystanders and local residents acted swiftly to rescue the trapped passengers before the arrival of emergency services.

The injured parties were immediately transported to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) for emergency surgery and intensive care. While their conditions remain guarded, hospital sources indicate that the medical team is working around the clock to stabilise them.

Police Investigation and Hit-and-Run Allegations

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kotwali Model Police Station, Muhammad Shibirul Islam, confirmed the fatalities but noted that the official identification of the deceased is still pending. Preliminary reports suggest the victims were travelling from Mymensingh towards Netrokona when the disaster struck.

In a distressing turn of events, the driver of the lorry involved in the collision fled the scene immediately after the impact. This “hit-and-run” manoeuvre has sparked outrage amongst locals. The police have launched a manhunt to locate the vehicle and apprehend the driver, using CCTV footage from nearby establishments and witness testimonies to track the lorry’s escape route.

Emergency Response and Traffic Gridlock

Senior Fire Service official Md. Sanowar Hossain arrived at the site to oversee the recovery operation. He highlighted the precarious nature of the regional highway, particularly during twilight hours when visibility decreases and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) often exceed safe speed limits.

The aftermath of the collision led to a complete standstill on the Mymensingh–Netrokona highway, with tailbacks stretching several kilometres on both sides. Law enforcement officers were deployed in significant numbers to manage the gridlock and divert light vehicles through secondary roads while the wreckage was cleared.

Concerns Over Regional Highway Safety

This latest tragedy has reignited the debate regarding the safety of regional highways in Bangladesh. Residents of Shambhuganj have frequently petitioned for speed breakers and enhanced lighting near educational institutions like the BRAC School.

The “Mahindra” auto-rickshaws, while a staple of local transport, offer minimal structural protection in the event of a collision with heavy machinery. As the investigation continues, the local administration has promised a review of safety protocols on this specific stretch of road to prevent further loss of life.

Police have urged anyone with information regarding the fleeing lorry to come forward. Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have been kept at the MMCH morgue for post-mortem examinations and subsequent handover to their grieving relatives.