The death toll from a head-on collision between two buses on the Pabna–Dhaka highway has risen to four, police said on Tuesday.
The accident occurred around 7:15 am near Sholabaria Bridge under Ataikula Police Station in Santhia upazila. Two people died at the scene, while two others later died at hospitals.
Madhpur Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mustafizur Rahman confirmed the updated death toll on Tuesday afternoon.
The deceased were identified as Kamal Hossain, 42, son of Abdul Pramanik of Balrampur village in Pabna Sadar upazila; Mehedi Hasan Jihad, 28, son of Chaman Mollah of Shibrampur Mohalla in Pabna municipality; Alamgir Hossain, 36, son of Khorshed Ali of Narjan village in Atgharia upazila; and Alef Uddin, 35, son of Majan Ali of Rajapur village in Pabna Sadar upazila.
Kamal Hossain was the driver of Shahjadpur Travels, while Mehedi Hasan Jihad was a helper of Maasrangar Express. The other two victims were passengers of Maasrangar Express.
Police said the Shahjadpur Travels bus was travelling from Pabna to Dhaka when it collided head-on with Maasrangar Express coming from the opposite direction near Sholabaria Bridge. Jihad died on the spot.
Following the accident, police rushed to the scene, rescued the injured and cleared the highway after removing the overturned buses. Traffic later returned to normal.
At least 50 passengers from both buses were injured and taken to hospitals in Santhia and Pabna.
Kamal Hossain died while receiving treatment at Santhia Upazila Health Complex. Alamgir Hossain later died at Pabna General Hospital, while Alef Uddin died on the way to Rajshahi for advanced treatment.
Resident Medical Officer of Pabna General Hospital, Dr Jahidul Islam, said 32 injured passengers were admitted to the hospital. Of them, six in critical condition were transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
OC Mustafizur Rahman said the bodies were handed over to the families after completing legal procedures. The two buses have been seized and kept in police custody.
He added that a case will be filed if any of the victims’ families lodge a complaint. Otherwise, police will file a case on their own initiative.
