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The death toll in Jhalkathi truck-private car and auto-rickshaw collision has risen to 14. At least 25 others were injured. The accident took place on Wednesday (April 17) around 2 pm in the Gabkhan bridge area of Jhalkathi on the Barisal-Pirojpur regional highway.
Jhalkathi Superintendent of Police Mohammad Afruzul Haque Tutul confirmed the matter and said that several vehicles including autorickshaws and private cars were waiting to pay money at the toll plaza of Gabkhan Setu. Meanwhile, the cement truck lost control and hit all the vehicles in front and fell on the side of the road. Private cars and autorickshaws were crushed under the truck. 7 passengers of autorickshaw and 4 passengers of private car died on the spot.
Locals said that the truck carrying seven rings cement left from Khulna lost control and hit the private car. The private car fell on the three autorickshaws that were standing next to it. Seven people were killed on the spot. 5 people died after being taken to Jhalkathi Sadar Hospital. The bodies of the deceased are in the hospital morgue. The names of the injured were not immediately known. The seriously injured were admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital. Two others died while undergoing treatment there.
District Civil Surgeon Officer SM Zahirul Islam said that 7 people died on the spot. Besides, 5 more died after being taken to Jhalkathi Sadar Hospital and two more died after being taken to Barisal Sher Bangla Medical College Hospital in critical condition.
Meanwhile, investigating the cause of the accident, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Jhalkathi. Deputy Commissioner Tarah Gul Nijhum said that a 4-member investigation committee has been formed headed by Ruhul Amin.
He announced that the government will give Tk 5 lakh for the families of those killed in the accident, Tk 3 lakh for those who will be crippled and Tk 1 lakh for the injured.
Bangladesh /IJ
