5-member probe committee formed over Sylhet road crash

The district administration has formed a five-member probe committee over the road accident in Osmaninagar on the Sylhet-Dhaka highway that claimed nine lives, including women and a child. The committee has been asked to investigate the actual cause of the accident and submit a report within five working days.

The committee was formed on Saturday afternoon by the Sylhet district administration.

The committee, headed by Sylhet Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Pinky Shah, includes members from the Highway Police, Fire Service, Roads and Highways Department and the Osmaninagar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO).

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun confirmed the matter.

On Friday morning, around 7:10am, a head-on collision occurred between two buses — Unique Transport and Bengal Transport — in the Kashikapur area of Osmaninagar.

According to the district administration, a total of nine people were killed and 16 injured in the accident. Seven of the deceased died at the scene. Later, a child aged 3-4 was taken to hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Another person died while undergoing treatment.

Upon receiving news of the accident, the Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner and District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer rushed to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital. They inquired about the treatment of the injured and provided necessary directives to hospital authorities to ensure their medical care.

Regarding the cause of the accident, Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun said the highway was empty at the time of the accident. Preliminary suspicions suggest the accident may have occurred due to reckless speeding or drivers falling asleep at the wheel. However, this is only a preliminary assumption. The actual cause will be confirmed after the probe committee submits its report.

He further said the committee will work to determine the actual cause, related issues and possible liability. The committee has been asked to submit a detailed report within five working days.

Meanwhile, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said each deceased victim's family will receive Tk 5 lakh, those who become disabled will receive Tk 3 lakh, and those undergoing treatment will receive Tk 1 lakh each.