The death toll from a road accident in Madaripur’s Shibchar upazila rose to 19 this noon (Mar 19), as three more succumbed to their injuries.

Besides, 30 people were injured after a Dhaka-bound bus veered off the approach road to the Padma Bridge and crashed into a ditch in Kutubpur area this morning.

The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately.

“The bus had a total of 54 seats, and some passengers were also sitting on the front engine cover. Among them, those who sat in the front rows have died,” said Shiplu Ahmed, deputy assistant director of Faridpur Fire Service and Civil Dence.

The official said the bus was carrying at least 60 passengers, and almost all the passengers were injured in the incident. 

Several reports claim that the driver of the Emad Paribahan bus lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll into the ditch.

Shibchar Highway police station officer-in-charge (OC) Abu Nayeem Mohammad Mofazzel confirmed the news.

Quoting locals, he said, " A Dhaka-bound bus of 'Emad Paribahan' fell into a roadside ditch in Kutubpur losing control on the Dhaka-Mawa-Bhanga expressway. A total of 17 died on the spot while two others died on way to hospital.

The death toll may rise as the rescue operation was underway, police officials further added.

BDST: 1546 HRS, MAR 19, 2023
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