Tragic crash on Dhaka-Mawa Expressway results in 4 deaths and 14 injuries
Four people were killed and at least 14 others injured when a passenger bus rammed into the rear of a truck on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway early Saturday morning. The fatal accident took place near Hasara point in Munshiganj district, around 5:00 AM, as the Dhaka-bound bus collided with a stationary or slow-moving truck on the highway. According to the Hasara Highway Police Station, the bus was traveling at high speed when it struck the truck from behind, leaving the front section of the bus completely mangled. Eyewitnesses reported that the impact was so severe that several passengers were trapped inside the vehicle, and emergency responders had to use equipment to rescue them. The dead include passengers seated at the front of the bus, who bore the brunt of the impact. Police confirmed that three people died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries after being taken to the hospital. Among the 14 injured, some are in critical condition and have been transferred to hospitals in Dhaka for advanced medical care. Others are being treated at local hospitals in Munshiganj. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed immediately as authorities are working to contact the victims’ families. Preliminary reports suggest that poor visibility and possible reckless driving may have contributed to the crash. The driver of the truck has not yet been located, and police are investigating whether the vehicle was properly parked with warning signals or was moving unusually slow on the expressway. The Dhaka-Mawa Expressway is known for its high-speed traffic, and safety experts have repeatedly emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of speed regulations and better monitoring of stationary vehicles. The expressway has witnessed several accidents in recent months, prompting renewed concerns about road safety and driver awareness. Following the crash, traffic on the expressway was disrupted for over an hour, with long queues forming on both sides. Highway police and local administration personnel worked quickly to remove the damaged bus and clear debris from the road. Once the wreckage was cleared, normal traffic flow resumed. Survivors of the crash recounted a terrifying experience. One injured passenger, who identified himself as Rafiq, said they were traveling to Dhaka for work and most passengers were asleep when the accident occurred. He said he was jolted awake by a loud crash and realized the bus had slammed into something. Screams erupted as people struggled to get out. He was fortunate to escape with minor injuries but described the front portion of the bus as a “death trap” for those seated there. Police have seized the bus for inspection and are questioning the staff, including the driver if he survived, to determine the exact sequence of events. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby highway cameras, if available, to understand the circumstances leading to the collision. Meanwhile, local authorities and highway safety officials have called for stricter enforcement of safety protocols. A senior official at the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) said that unfit vehicles and drivers lacking proper training pose a continuous risk on highways, and this tragedy once again underscores the urgent need for reform in the transport sector. He also noted that while expressways are designed for fast travel, they require equally strong safety monitoring, especially during early morning hours when traffic is lighter and drivers tend to speed. Road safety advocacy groups have expressed sorrow over the incident and demanded a full investigation. They emphasized that recurring accidents on major highways point to systemic failures in traffic regulation and vehicle monitoring. In a press release, one organization urged the government to implement advanced warning systems on highways, including reflective signs and emergency lights on parked vehicles, to prevent similar accidents. The bodies of the deceased have been sent to Munshiganj General Hospital morgue for autopsy. Police are working with hospital authorities to identify them and notify their families. Local representatives have visited the scene and offered condolences to the families of the victims. The Munshiganj district administration has also pledged to support the injured with necessary medical care and financial assistance. In response to the accident, Transport Minister Obaidul Quader expressed deep sorrow and stated that the government is reviewing road safety measures on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway. He promised to take action against any party found responsible for negligence. He also stressed the need for increased driver training and better highway surveillance through cameras and patrol units. As the country continues to grapple with frequent road accidents, this incident serves as yet another reminder of the dangers lurking on the roads and the urgent need for comprehensive reform. With four lives lost and several families left in distress, the nation mourns yet another tragic consequence of unsafe road practices. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are expected to release a detailed report once more information becomes available.
source : thedailystar
