Bangladesh Highway Disaster: How overloaded truck carrying passengers leads 15 dead, 10 injured?

Dhaka: At least 15 people were killed and around 10 others injured after a truck carrying iron rods and several hitchhiking passengers overturned on a highway in the Soratoil area of ​​Tangail district, central Bangladesh, early Monday around 5 am.

Vehicle lost control during Eid travel rush

Police said the truck was heading from Dhaka towards northern districts when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The crash occurred amid heavy Eid al-Adha travel, when thousands were moving home for the holiday.

Victims mainly day laborers

Officials said most of the passengers were day laborers traveling to meet their families for Eid celebrations. The combination of goods and passengers on the same vehicle is believed to have increased the risk of the accident.

Rescue and emergency response

Local residents and emergency responders rushed to the scene after hearing a loud impact. They helped pull injured passengers from the wreckage and transported them to nearby hospitals for treatment. Around 10 people are currently receiving care.

Investigation and safety concerns

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on how passengers were allowed on a freight truck. Witnesses described panic and chaos as rescue efforts continued before police secured the area.

Road safety remains a major concern in Bangladesh, where poor road conditions, weak enforcement of traffic laws, and unsafe travel practices contribute to thousands of deaths each year, particularly during peak holiday periods.

Authorities urged stricter enforcement of traffic rules, regular vehicle checks, and awareness campaigns to prevent similar accidents during busy holiday travel. They warned that carrying passengers on freight trucks is highly dangerous and must be stopped to avoid further loss of life on Bangladesh highways during peak festive seasons ahead across the country.