Tragedy strikes Padma Bridge again: microbus driver killed in collision with motorcycle

Another unfortunate incident occurred on Padma Bridge, claiming the life of a microbus driver who was struck by a speeding motorcycle. The police swiftly apprehended the motorcycle driver and his wife following the accident.

The fatal collision unfolded on Friday morning  between the 11th and 12th pillars of the Munshiganj Mawa end of the bridge.

According to authorities and eyewitnesses, the microbus, ferrying passengers from the Sipahipara area of Munshiganj Sadar to Kashiani in Gopalganj, halted as the driver attempted to address a wheel issue. Tragically, Mohammad Taib Ali (34), the microbus driver, succumbed to a brain hemorrhage on the spot when he was struck by a motorcycle traveling at high speed from behind.

The accused motorcyclist, Ajmir Hossain (28), and his wife, Shrabani Islam (27), were apprehended by police and bridge security personnel upon arriving at the scene.

Taib Ali, hailing from the Bagia area of Kashiani police station in Gopalganj, leaves behind a grieving family. Police have identified him as the son of Belayet Sheikh.

Confirming the details of the incident, Mawa Traffic Police Inspector ASM Ziaul Haider stated, "Padma Setu North Police Station has detained two individuals along with the motorcycle involved in this incident." The deceased‍‍`s body was recovered and placed in police custody pending legal procedures before being handed over to his relatives.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident occurred due to the motorcycle‍‍`s excessive speed. CCTV footage is being scrutinized by bridge authorities to ascertain the cause and circumstances of the tragedy.

Ahmed Haque, the toll manager at the Mawa end of Padma Bridge, reported, "Following the accident, authorities retrieved the deceased‍‍`s body, along with the microbus and motorcycle, from the bridge without causing any disruption to traffic. Presently, traffic flow is normal, and investigations into the accident are ongoing."

Padma Bridge, inaugurated in June 2022, has unfortunately witnessed several accidents since its opening. Despite initial restrictions on motorcycle movement, the bridge later allowed passage for all vehicle types.