At least five people were killed after a passenger bus lost control and plunged into a canal in front of Kofil Uddin Degree College in Chandraganj, Lakshmipur, on Saturday morning (September 6). The accident occurred around 8:30 a.m., leaving several others critically injured.
The deceased have been identified as Morshed Alam and Zainal Abedin from Sheikhpur area of Chandraganj in Sadar upazila, and Humayun Rashid, son of Afsar Uddin from Naogaon. Two more victims, whose identities are yet to be confirmed, died on the way to the hospital.
Police and eyewitnesses said the bus of Ananda Paribahan was heading towards Lakshmipur from Chaumuhani in Noakhali carrying 25–30 passengers. Upon reaching the Chandraganj college area, the driver lost control, and the bus veered off the road into a canal.
Rescue operations were immediately launched by Chandraganj police, fire service personnel, army members, and locals. At least 20 passengers were rescued alive and admitted to different hospitals. Three bodies were initially recovered from inside the vehicle.
Chandraganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Faizul Azim Noman said reckless driving is believed to be the cause of the accident. He added that efforts are underway to recover the bus, and the death toll may rise further.
