Sylhet sees 27 road deaths in October

At least 27 people were killed and 48 injured in 27 road accidents across Sylhet division in October, according to a report by the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NISCHA).

The report, released by the Sylhet Divisional Committee of NISCHA on Wednesday, showed that motorcyclists accounted for nine of the deaths.

Sylhet district recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 16 people killed and 30 injured in 15 accidents.

Habiganj reported five deaths and 12 injuries in six accidents, while Moulvibazar recorded four deaths and three injuries in four accidents.

Sunamganj had the lowest number of fatalities, with two people killed and three injured in two accidents.
The report identified excessive speeding, reckless overtaking, failure to use quality helmets, lack of pedestrian awareness and road construction defects as major causes of the accidents.

Of the 27 deceased, 18 were men, three women and six children.

The report also found that nine motorcyclists, five CNG and TomTom drivers or passengers, six other drivers and four pedestrians were among the victims.

The remaining deaths were associated with vehicle overturning and other types of crashes.

According to NISCHA, the report was compiled using information from five local dailies, online newspapers, two national dailies, unreported incidents and the organisation’s local branches.

In September, 26 people were killed and 51 injured in 26 road accidents across the division.