Natore Bus-Truck Collision Death Toll Rises to 14: Injured Now 30, Eight Critical in Rajshahi Medical, Probe Committee to Be Formed

The death toll in the horrific collision between a passenger bus and a sand-laden truck in Baraigram, Natore, has risen to 14. At least 30 more passengers were injured in the accident, and the administration fears the death toll could rise further as many of the injured are in critical condition.

The tragic accident took place at around 4:30am on Tuesday at Sarkarpara area of Baraigram upazila on the Natore-Pabna highway. The early-morning collision has again raised questions about highway safety across the country.

Local sources and police said a bus of 'RP Paribahan' travelling from Barguna to Rajshahi collided head-on with a sand-laden truck heading to Pabna, killing 9 people on the spot.

Later, five more people died while undergoing treatment in hospital. That is how the death toll rose to 14.

After the incident, rescuers sent the injured and the dead to Natore Sadar Hospital and Rajshahi Medical College (RMCH) Hospital. Among them, eight people in serious condition have been kept admitted at RMCH Hospital.

Natore Additional Superintendent of Police Iftekhayer Alam confirmed the casualties and said the bodies of the deceased have been kept at the morgue of Natore Sadar Hospital for post-mortem and procedures.

He said necessary treatment arrangements have also been made for the injured. Although it was not possible to immediately identify the names of the dead and injured, police and fire service personnel are working to identify them.

Visiting the accident site, Baraigram Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Laila Jannatul Ferdous said it is initially suspected that, because it was early morning, the driver may have been driving while drowsy or asleep.

The UNO said, as the physical condition of many of the injured is critical, there is a fear that the death toll will rise further. A committee will be formed for a proper investigation of the incident and the administration is active in confirming the identities of the victims.

The announcement of an investigation committee is being seen as an important step in uncovering the real cause of the accident. Whether the driver's drowsiness as well as vehicle speed, road conditions and other matters will be examined will become clear after the committee begins its work.

This accident took place at a time when experts are emphasising not only law enforcement to reduce road accidents, but also building responsible behaviour among drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Questions about rest and alertness for drivers of long-distance vehicles in the early morning are longstanding.

With eight of the injured in serious condition, the administration is monitoring treatment activities at RMCH Hospital and Natore Sadar Hospital. Once identification is complete, the process of handing over the bodies to the families of the deceased will move forward.

All in all, this Natore collision is no longer just an accident report — because of the death toll, the condition of the injured and the decision to form an investigation committee, it has become today's most important national event. All eyes will be on the administration's next information and the progress of the investigation.