3 killed as bus crashes two auto-rickshaws in Chattogram

Three people, including a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, were killed and at least nine others injured when a passenger bus collided with two CNG-powered auto-rickshaws in Chandanaish, Chittagong on Monday (September 15).

The accident took place around noon at Sonai Bot Tol in Dohazari Municipality on the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar National Highway.

The deceased have been identified as Fatema Begum, 75, wife of Karim Baksur of Ward No. 5, Chandanaish Municipality; Shamima Akhter, 37, wife of Selim Uddin; and Md. Shoriful Islam, 30, a pharmaceutical company employee from Mymensingh Sadar.

According to witnesses, Fatema Begum, Shamima Akhter, and two other family members had traveled to Dohazari Municipality for treatment in one auto-rickshaw. After completing their visit, they were returning home along with another auto-rickshaw when a speeding Eagle Poribohon passenger bus struck both vehicles simultaneously at Dewanhat Sonai Bot Tol. At least 12 people were injured in the collision.

The injured were rushed to Dohazari Hospital and BGC Trust Medical College Hospital. Fatema Begum and Shamima Akhter were declared dead at BGC Trust Medical College Hospital, while Shoriful Islam succumbed on the way to Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Sub-Inspector Mohiuddin of Dohazari Highway Police Station said, "The bus and one of the auto-rickshaws involved in the accident have been impounded, and legal proceedings are underway."