14 killed in Natore bus-truck collision: seven-member probe committee formed, bus had been running without valid fitness
The district administration has formed a seven-member investigation committee into the head-on collision between a bus and a truck in Baraigram, Natore, that killed 14 people. Initial information shows that the RP Paribahan bus involved in the crash did not have a valid fitness certificate.
Natore Deputy Commissioner Sumoni Akter gave the information to journalists on Tuesday (October 20) afternoon. The committee, led by Additional District Magistrate Abul Hayat, has been asked to investigate the cause of the accident and submit a report.
According to the Natore BRTA authorities, the fitness certificate of the bus expired on May 13 this year. Its route permit, however, remains valid until May 13, 2028. Questions have been raised as to how the bus continued operating after its fitness expired.
The accident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday on the Natore-Pabna highway at Bonpara, in front of Zaheda Clinic and in the Sarkarpara area. The RP Paribahan passenger bus, travelling from Kuakata to Chapainawabganj, collided head-on with a sand-laden truck coming from the opposite direction.
Police and Fire Service sources said 10 people died on the spot. Four more later died in hospital, taking the death toll to 14. At least 20 people were injured in the incident.
Police initially suspect the collision may have occurred while the bus was overtaking another vehicle on the highway. The drivers of both the bus and the truck were killed. Police said the actual cause will be confirmed only after the investigation.
Those identified among the dead include Anwar Haque (30), son of Babar Ali of Konopara village in Bagmara, Rajshahi; Tasfia Khatun (8), daughter of the late Shahidul Islam of Subidkhali village in Mirzaganj, Patuakhali; Sohag Hossain (30), son of Yunus Ali of Kazirhat village in Zajira, Shariatpur; Jewel Rana (40), son of Johur Uddin of Barkandi village in the same upazila; Shalal Molla (45), son of Jahan Uddin Molla of Dubisaheber village; Shahin Hossain (25) of Kazirhat village; and Samad (70) and Kashem (35) of Zajira upazila. The bus driver, Sohel Rana (40), son of Abdul Hakim of Farhadpur village in Godagari, Rajshahi, was also killed.
After receiving news of the accident, Deputy Commissioner Sumoni Akter and Superintendent of Police Shariful Haque visited the scene in the morning. The deputy commissioner announced financial assistance of Tk 25,000 for each bereaved family. The police superintendent said action would be taken against the operation of vehicles without fitness.
Visiting the scene, National Parliament Whip Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu said financial assistance would be provided to the families of the deceased on behalf of the prime minister. He also said an initiative would be taken to widen the Pabna-Bonpara highway to prevent accidents.
Rescue teams reached the scene after the accident and began rescue operations. The injured were taken to local clinics, the upazila health complex, Natore Sadar Hospital and Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
Dr Mahabubur Rahman, resident medical officer (RMO) of the 250-bed Natore hospital, said nine injured people were admitted in the morning after the accident. Two of them left after receiving treatment. Of the remaining seven, three were in serious condition and were sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, while four others remain under treatment at the hospital.
Bus passenger Abdus Salam alleged that the bus was carrying excess passengers and was travelling at high speed. Attention will now focus on how far the investigation committee's inquiry addresses these allegations and the operation of a bus without fitness. The deputy commissioner said the next steps will be taken on the basis of the committee's observations and recommendations.
