Staff Reporter, Habiganj: 8 people, including women and children, were killed in a collision between a bus and a CNG autorickshaw at Nabiganj in Habiganj on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway. At least 15 others were injured.

The accident took place at Sataihal in Nabiganj around 4 pm on Monday (December 7).

The deceased have been identified as Samirun Begum, (28), wife of Abu Taher of Muraura village in Gajnaipur union, his daughter Maria Akhter, (2), Halima Begum, (25), wife of Abu Taher's brother Anu Mia, Antar Mia, 22, son of Nurul Islam of Sataihal village, Sataihal (Kazipara). Liza Akhter (19) of the village, Kitab Ali (30) of Latibpur village of Devpara union and an unidentified man (26).

According to police and eyewitnesses, a BRTC transport bus from Comilla to Sylhet (Dhaka Metro-B-11-5518) collided with a CNG (Habiganj-Th 11-6777) and an unidentified CNG from Aushkandi. The two CNG got twisted. The bus with a CNG fell into a deep ditch near the highway. Seven people died on the spot.

10 people including the passenger of the bus were injured in the incident. The injured were shifted to different hospitals including Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital.

Nabiganj Police Station (OC) Azizur Rahman said, a Sylhet-bound BRTC bus from Comilla collided with an autorickshaw coming from the opposite direction when it reached Sataihal area. The two vehicles fell into a ditch on the side of the road.

Sherpur Highway Police Station OC Ershadul Haque said, police and fire service were carrying out rescue operations with the help of locals. So far 5 bodies have been recovered. Someone else may have been crushed under the bus. The death toll could rise further.