At least 14 people were killed and 25 others injured when a passenger bus collided head-on with a sand-laden truck in Natore’s Baraigram upazila early Tuesday, October 20.
The accident occurred around 4am in the Sarkarpara area on the Bonpara-Pabna highway. Preliminary police findings suggest the bus may have crashed into the truck while attempting to overtake another vehicle. Authorities said the exact cause would be confirmed through an investigation.
The bus, operated by RP Paribahan, was travelling from Barguna to Chapainawabganj, while the truck was carrying sand from Panchagarh towards Jhenaidah. The collision left both vehicles’ drivers dead, along with several passengers.
Nine people reportedly died at the scene, while others succumbed to their injuries after being taken to hospital. Women and children were among the victims. At least 25 people were injured and taken to Natore Sadar Hospital, local healthcare facilities in Baraigram and Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
A survivor described the terrifying conditions inside the bus before the crash. Passenger Abdus Salam said the vehicle was overcrowded, with all seats occupied and many people standing in the aisles. There was barely enough room to move, he said, adding that the bus was travelling at high speed and the driver repeatedly applied the brakes sharply, causing passengers to be thrown from their seats.
Police said the truck was travelling in its designated left lane when the speeding bus allegedly attempted to overtake another vehicle and collided with it. Investigators are working to establish the precise circumstances of the crash.
Natore Deputy Commissioner Sumoni Akter said an investigation committee would be formed to examine the incident. Local officials and police representatives visited the accident site following the tragedy.
The deadly collision has once again raised concerns about road safety, dangerous overtaking and passenger overcrowding on Bangladesh’s highways.
Reporting by Borderless for The Borderless Journal. Filed under Uncategorized · 20 Oct 2026, 12:27.
