Family Tragedy: Father Dead, Son Hospitalized, Uncle Awaits Body at Police Station

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At least 15 people were killed and several others injured when a truck carrying iron rods overturned early Monday on the approach road to the Bangabandhu Bridge’s eastern end in Sirajganj, Bangladesh. The victims, primarily small business owners and laborers, were traveling from Chittagong to their homes for Eid celebrations, seeking cheaper fares by riding on the rod-laden truck.

The accident occurred around dawn in the Saratole area of the Bangabandhu Bridge East Police Station’s jurisdiction. According to police, the truck was carrying approximately 22 passengers, who had boarded in Chittagong for a fare of 500 taka each, with the intention of reaching Rajshahi. The truck, which had picked up an additional 18 passengers in Feni, was reportedly carrying the individuals on top of the iron rods, covered by a tarp.

Tariqul Islam, who survived the crash with minor injuries, recounted the harrowing experience. He had boarded the truck in Chittagong with his brother-in-law Nazrul Islam and nephew Tuhin, all engaged in the wholesale trade of household goods. “My family is waiting for us, expecting our arrival by noon,” he told police, his voice heavy with grief. “But Nazrul is in the morgue, Tuhin is in the hospital, and I am at the police station. I don’t know when I will be able to retrieve Nazrul’s body.”

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The truck was en route to Chapainawabganj’s Shibganj upazila when it veered off the road and overturned. Passengers described being asleep on the iron rods when a sudden jolt caused the truck to lose control. Khorshed Alam, 26, who is receiving treatment at Tangail General Hospital, recounted waking up to find himself near the overturned truck, with many others trapped beneath the rods. Rescue teams from the police and fire service arrived to assist in the recovery efforts.

Of the 15 bodies recovered, police have identified six: Md. Sagor Mia, 20, and Rabiul Islam, 25, both from Naogaon; Ismail Hossain, 19, from Rajshahi; Nazrul Islam, 60, and Mamun, 45, from Chapainawabganj; and Shariful, 25, from Naogaon. Authorities are working to identify the remaining victims and are in contact with families to facilitate the return of the deceased. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, with authorities noting the precarious nature of the passengers’ seating arrangement.