2 women killed, 8 injured as bus ploughs into roadside shop near Karnaphuli Tunnel
Several CNG-run autorickshaws and rickshaws were waiting for passengers at the tunnel intersection when the speeding bus veered off the road and crashed into the shop.
Two women were killed and at least eight others were injured after the driver of a bus lost control of the vehicle and ploughed into a roadside shop at the Anwara end of the Karnaphuli Tunnel in Chattogram last night (30 July).
The deceased were Poly Dutta, 35, and Ifa Shil, 40, both residents of the Jhiyori area in Barkhain union of Anwara upazila.
The bus had rammed into at least six CNG-run autorickshaws and rickshaws waiting for passengers outside the shop before crashing into the structure around 8pm near the Karnaphuli Tunnel intersection adjacent to Chatari Chowmuhani Bazar in Anwara upazila.
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Witnesses said several CNG-run autorickshaws and rickshaws were waiting for passengers at the tunnel intersection when the speeding bus veered off the road and crashed into the shop.
The impact crushed the smaller vehicles and injured several people inside and outside the premises.
Injured Kohinur Akter said she was eating snacks inside the shop when the bus crashed into it.
She said the force of the collision also pushed several autorickshaws into the shop, leaving her with injuries to her head and abdomen.
Another injured person, Didarul Alam, said the bus struck him from behind while he was returning home after work.
He said the area was thrown into panic within moments as people screamed for help.
The injured were taken to Anwara Upazila Health Complex, while those with critical injuries were referred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital.
Dr Anindita, duty doctor at Anwara Upazila Health Complex, said, "Two women succumbed to their injuries after being brought to the hospital."
According to the police, the bus driver and his assistant fled the scene after the crash.
Police are investigating the cause of the accident and working to arrest those involved, they said, adding that the bus and the damaged vehicles have also been seized.
Anwara fire service official Md Abdullah said, "After receiving information about the accident, fire service personnel quickly reached the scene and carried out the rescue operation.
"The injured were rescued and taken to the hospital. Two women died after being taken to the hospital. Once the rescue operation was completed, the accident-hit bus was removed from the scene."
