Road accidents claim 312 lives in 12 days during Eid holidays: RSF
Motorcycles topped the list of road accidents, being involved in 121 crashes that left 107 people dead—accounting for 34.29% of total fatalities and 34.87% of all accidents
At least 312 people were killed and 1,057 injured in road accidents across the country during the 12-day Eid-ul-Adha travel period from June 3 to June 14, according to a report by the Road Safety Foundation.
The data shows an alarming 29.03% rise in fatalities compared to the same period last year, with an average of 26 deaths reported daily.
The estimated loss of human resources due to the accidents stands at Tk1,218.72 crore.
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Among the deceased were 47 women and 63 children.
The report, compiled based on information from nine national dailies, seven online news portals, electronic media and the Foundation's own sources, also highlights significant casualties from motorcycle crashes.
Motorcycles were involved in 121 accidents, killing 107 people — accounting for 34.29% of total fatalities and 34.87% of total crashes. Besides, 44 pedestrians (14.10%) and 51 drivers or their assistants (16.34%) also lost their lives.
The foundation also recorded nine waterway accidents resulting in 10 deaths and eight injuries, while 32 railway-related incidents killed 21 people and injured 17.
Vehicles involved in the accidents include 19.35% buses, 18% pick-up vans, covered vans and lorries, 8.31% private cars, jeeps and microbuses, 21.73% motorbikes, 21.39% battery-run human haulers and 6.96% three-wheeler vehicles.
Of the accidents, 39.19% occurred on national highways, 34.87% on regional roads, and 16.13% on other roads.
The RSF report revealed that Dhaka division saw the highest number of deaths with 34.72% fatalities, while Sylhet division recorded the lowest number of accidents with just 3.74% fatalities.
At least 87 people died in 116 accidents in Dhaka division.
Faridpur district recorded the highest number of crashes in any single district with 27 accidents and 19 deaths.
The Road Safety Foundation emphasised the urgent need for stricter road safety regulations, enhanced law enforcement, and awareness campaigns to curb the growing number of fatalities during holiday seasons.
