Three killed in head-on collision between bus and RAB vehicle in Patuakhali

Three people, including a two-year-old child, a woman, and the driver of a Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) vehicle, were killed in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and a RAB vehicle in Fatulla area of Auliapur union under Patuakhali sadar upazila. At least 30 others were injured, several of them critically.

The accident occurred around 9 am on Saturday, October 11, on the Patuakhali–Kuakata highway in Fatulla area. Traffic on the highway remained suspended for about an hour following the collision.

Patuakhali Civil Surgeon Dr Khaledur Rahman Mia said several critically injured persons were sent to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Barishal and Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, a RAB-8 vehicle heading towards Kuakata from Barishal collided head-on with a Dhanshiri Classic Paribahan bus coming from the opposite direction. The impact was severe, leaving both vehicles badly damaged. The RAB officer’s two-year-old daughter, driver Alim, 42, and a female passenger named Afroza, 35, died on the spot.

Patuakhali Fire Service Assistant Director Belal Uddin said rescuers rushed to the spot upon receiving the news. “Thirteen people from the RAB vehicle were rescued and taken to Patuakhali Sadar Hospital,” he said.

According to Patuakhali Medical College Hospital sources, at least six of the injured are in critical condition due to bleeding, fractures, and head injuries. They were later transferred to Barishal for better treatment.