7 killed, dozens injured as bus overturns in Faridpur
The bus was travelling to Faridpur from Tekerhat in Madaripur when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to plunge into a ditch beside the road at around 11:15am
Seven people were killed and dozens of others injured after a passenger bus lost control and overturned into a roadside ditch in the Bakhunda area of Sadar upazila, Faridpur, this morning (8 April).
The accident occurred at around 11:15am in front of Sharif Jute Mills on the Faridpur–Barishal highway.
The deceased were identified as Alom Sheikh, 45; Fajirun Nesa, 65; Joat Sardar, 70, and his son Emon Sardar, 22; Ajibor Sheikh, 45; Bharati Rani Sarkar, 40; and Dipa Khan, 34.
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According to the Fire Service and local residents, the bus was travelling to Faridpur from Tekerhat in Madaripur when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to plunge into a ditch beside the road.
Passengers said the bus helper was driving instead of the designated driver and appeared drowsy, which they believe caused him to lose control of the vehicle. They also reported that the bus was moving at high speed.
Local residents and firefighters jointly carried out the rescue operation. The victims were taken to Faridpur Medical College Hospital, where five were declared dead on arrival and two others died later. The remaining injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment.
Confirming the incident, Faridpur Fire Service Senior Station Officer Md Nazrul Islam said, "After receiving the news, we reached the spot and conducted the rescue operation.
"There were about 40 passengers on the bus, and almost all were injured. The injured have been rescued and sent to Faridpur Medical College Hospital."
Faridpur Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Asaduzzaman said, "Around 40 people were injured when the bus overturned and fell into a ditch. Seven people died in this incident.
"Most of the remaining injured are currently receiving treatment at the same hospital."
He added that the exact cause of the accident would be determined after an investigation.
Meanwhile, Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Md Kamrul Hasan Molla visited the families of the deceased and pledged burial assistance of Tk30,000 to Tk35,000 for each family.
A seven-member investigation committee has been formed, headed by Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Mintu Biswas.
The ADM confirmed that Tk25,000 has already been disbursed to each bereaved family for burial expenses.
The incident has once again raised concerns about road safety. Locals have demanded increased driver awareness and stricter control over vehicle speed.
