25 injured as 6 vehicles collide in dense fog in Rangpur

A multi-vehicle collision involving six vehicles occurred on Saturday (February 1) at around 7:30am at Garer Matha intersection on the Rangpur-Dhaka highway in Mithapukur of Rangpur. 

The accident, triggered by dense fog, resulted in no fatalities but left at least 25 people injured.

The vehicles involved in the collision included two passenger buses, a truck, a pickup truck, and a covered van. 

According to highway police and local eyewitnesses, these vehicles, which had departed from Dhaka, lost control upon reaching the Garer Matha intersection. Two buses, a truck, a pickup truck, and a covered van collided with each other at the four-way junction, leading to significant damage. 

Several vehicles sustained broken windshields and minor structural damage, while approximately 20-25 individuals were injured, some seriously enough to require hospitalisation.

Upon receiving news of the incident, the Baradargah Highway Police swiftly arrived at the scene. They provided first aid to the injured and initiated efforts to clear the wreckage. 

Baradargah Highway Police In-charge Md Moniruzzaman stated, "We are currently removing the vehicles involved in the accident. Fortunately, there were no major casualties. We administered first aid to several injured passengers."

Moniruzzaman also highlighted that the highway is frequently used by sand and soil-carrying vehicles, contributing to its slippery conditions during dense fog. He explained, "Visibility significantly decreased due to the thick fog, likely causing the drivers to lose control and collide one after another. Our team immediately began rescue operations following the incident."

He added, "Several small accidents have been occurring on this highway due to the dense fog, particularly in the Rangpur part of the highway. Visibility has dropped drastically in many places. We advise drivers and passengers to proceed cautiously by turning on their headlights and driving slowly."

In a related development, Moniruzzaman noted that seven people had died in five separate accidents on the same highway in various parts of the district, including Pirganj, just a day earlier on Friday.

The ongoing challenges posed by dense fog underscore the need for heightened vigilance and adherence to safety protocols among road users. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge caution to prevent further incidents.