Two killed as stone-laden truck plunges into ditch, catches fire in Kushtia

Two people were killed after a stone-laden truck lost control, plunged into a roadside ditch and burst into flames on the Kushtia bypass highway on Sunday morning (June 21).

The victims were identified as truck driver Anisur Rahman and his assistant Ratan, both residents of Faridpur Sadar upazila.

According to police and fire service officials, the truck was carrying a consignment of stones from Sonamasjid in Chapainawabganj to Faridpur when the accident took place around 8:00am near the Kushtia city bypass.

Witnesses said the vehicle suddenly veered off the road and overturned into a roadside ditch.

The impact severely damaged the front portion of the truck, triggering a fire in the engine compartment. Firefighters rushed to the scene and battled the blaze for nearly an hour before bringing it under control.

Following the firefighting operation, rescuers recovered the driver's body from the wreckage. The body of the helper was later found trapped beneath the pile of stones carried by the truck.

Fire service officials said the blaze may have been caused by fuel leakage after the truck’s fuel tank ruptured during the crash, with friction or sparks igniting the fire.

However, authorities said the exact cause of the accident and subsequent fire will be determined after a detailed investigation.

Police have sent the bodies to Kushtia General Hospital morgue for autopsy and said legal proceedings are underway.