21 injured as two buses collide head-on in Ctg

At least 21 people were injured, two of them critically, in a head-on collision between two passenger buses in Chattogram's Patiya upazila today (24 April).

The incident occurred around 4am at Indrapul intersection on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar highway, confirmed Patiya Crossing Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Harunur Rashid.

The injured include Sagar, 20, Abdul Haque, 32, Dipu, 25, Anik, 17, Arman, 18, Nazrul Islam, 18, Ripon, 28, Tanvir, 17, Russell, 27, Ruhi, 10, Ohi, 14, Rubel, 47, Nishad, 19, Riad, 21, Mamun, 13, Shahidul Islam, 36, Mostafiz, 22, Abdul Motaleb, 27, and Saif, 20.

The critically injured – Sumon, 16, and Salauddin, 25, – have been admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), while others received primary treatment.

According to police and hospital sources, a bus of Himachal Paribahan travelling from Noakhali to Cox's Bazar collided head-on with a bus of Evergreen Paribahan coming from Cox's Bazar towards Chattogram.

Following the crash, highway police rushed to the spot and rescued the injured, taking them to Patiya Upazila Health Complex.

Dr Trishna Sarkar of the health complex said all 21 injured were brought to the facility. Among them, two were in critical condition and later referred to CMCH for advanced treatment. The rest were released after receiving primary care.

OC Harunur Rashid told The Business Standard that the driver of the Noakhali-bound bus was likely unfamiliar with the road.

"He may have lost control after failing to properly navigate the roundabout, leading to the collision with the oncoming bus," he added.