A head-on collision between a dump truck and a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw in the Hajir Bazar area of Pekua, Cox’s Bazar, resulted in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to three children.
The tragic accident occurred around 7am on Thursday (19 December), at Dhoniakata on the Pekua Regional Highway.
Identities of the deceased and injured remain unknown.
According to Cox’s Bazar Additional Superintendent of Police, Jasim Uddin Chowdhury, the auto-rickshaw was travelling towards the Pekua Upazila headquarters when it was struck by a dump truck coming from the opposite direction.
The impact left the auto-rickshaw severely mangled, leading to the immediate deaths of four passengers.
Locals rushed to the scene and transported the victims to the Pekua Upazila Health Complex.
Chowdhury confirmed that the dump truck involved in the accident has been taken into police custody.
However, both the driver and the assistant of the vehicle managed to flee the scene and are currently at large.
Authorities are working to identify the victims and further investigate the incident.
