Two women were killed and three others injured in a head-on collision between a CNG-run auto-rickshaw and a locally made engine-driven vehicle, known as a ‘bhutbhuti’, in Melandaha upazila on Sunday.
The accident occurred at approximately 3pm in Betmari area of Char Bani Pakuria Union on Jamalpur-Dewanganj regional highway.
The injured individuals have been identified as Mojibar, 55, Jiban Mia, 35, and Tushar, 38, all of whom are residents of Katharbil area in Dewanganj Upazila. The identities of the two deceased women could not be confirmed immediately.
According to relatives of the injured, Jamalpur-bound auto-rickshaw from Dewanganj collided with the bhutbhuti coming from opposite direction upon reaching Betmari area. One woman died on the spot, while the other succumbed to her injuries while being transported to Jamalpur General Hospital.
Dr Ujjal Kumar Sarkar, medical officer of the emergency department at Jamalpur General Hospital, confirmed the fatalities.
“Five people were brought to the hospital following the accident. Among them, two women died. The three injured men are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital,” he said, adding that the bodies have been kept in the hospital morgue.
ATM Mahmudul Haq, officer-in-charge (OC) of Melandaha Police Station, said a police team was dispatched to the hospital upon receiving news of the deaths. “Efforts are underway to identify the two women. We are also taking the necessary legal measures to investigate cause of the accident,” the OC added.
