7 family members killed as microbus plunges into canal in Noakhali

NN Online:

Seven members of a family, including women and children, died and several others were seriously injured when a microbus veered off the road and plunged into a canal in Begumganj upazila of Noakhali early Wednesday.

The tragic accident occurred around 5:30 am in front of Union Parishad Chairman Abul Khayer’s residence in Jagadishpur area under Layarpar Union of Chandraganj Purbabazar.

The deceased have been identified as:

Foyzun Nesa, 80, Khurshida Begum, 55, Kabita Begum, 30, Laboni Begum, 30, Reshmi, 10, Lamia, 9, Mim, 2

All were from Choupolli village in Hajirpara Union of Lakshmipur district. The victims were relatives of Oman expatriate Bahar Uddin, who had just returned to Bangladesh. They were reportedly heading home from the airport when the microbus lost control and fell into the canal.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mobarak Hossain Bhuiyan of Chandraganj Highway Police Station confirmed the incident. He said the vehicle had 12 occupants, including the driver. While the driver fled the scene, the remaining passengers were rescued and hospitalized.

The victims included Bahar Uddin’s wife Kabita and their two-year-old daughter Mim. Bahar himself survived the crash. Relatives have taken the bodies to different hospitals. Police have recovered the microbus and are preparing to file a case with Begumganj Model Police Station.

Locals reported that the microbus lost control along the Begumganj–Lakshmipur highway and plunged into the water. Many suspect the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

Dr Md Monir Hossain of Begumganj Upazila Health Complex said two of the deceased were brought to the hospital and were likely killed on impact.

OC Liton Dewan of Begumganj Model Police Station said rescue efforts were carried out by police and fire service personnel, resulting in the recovery of the seven bodies and the submerged vehicle. Legal steps will follow based on a formal complaint from the highway police.