Patient dies in van after being stuck in hour-long traffic in Sherpur

A 48-year-old respiratory patient died in a van after being trapped in severe traffic congestion while being taken to hospital in Nalitabari on Thursday (May 14).

The deceased, Aminul Islam, was the son of Abdul Rouf from Gujakura village in the upazila.

According to family members and local sources, he had long been suffering from respiratory complications. His condition suddenly deteriorated on Thursday afternoon, prompting relatives to rush him to hospital in a locally hired van.

However, the vehicle became stuck in heavy traffic between the Araiani area and Taraganj Uttar Bazar road. Family members said the van remained stranded for nearly an hour, preventing them from reaching the hospital in time. Aminul Islam eventually died inside the vehicle before receiving treatment.

Relative Jihad Hasan said they helplessly watched the patient die as traffic remained unmoved. “If there had been proper traffic control on the road, he might have reached the hospital in time,” he said.

Locals alleged that severe traffic congestion has become a daily occurrence in Nalitabari town, particularly around busy market areas. Illegal parking, unregulated movement of auto-rickshaws and indiscriminate parking of cargo trucks were blamed for worsening the situation, making emergency medical transport increasingly difficult.

The victim’s cousin, Md. Rasel, said the hospital was only five minutes away, yet they remained stuck for nearly an hour. “There was no way to even carry him on foot through the congestion,” he said.

Ashrafuzzaman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Nalitabari Police Station, said, "Paddy markets and random parking of cargo trucks in the market area were making traffic management difficult. Police were working to ease traffic congestion."