Sirajganj buses\\\' collision toll reaches 17

The death toll in the collision between two buses in the west of Bangabandhu (Jamuna) Bridge in Sirajganj has risen to 17. Abour 60 others were injured when the two buses coming from opposite direction drove into each other at Mulibarhi of Saidabad Union at 5am on Sunday. The Rangpur-bound bus of Sabbir Paribahan from Chittagong and Azad Paribahan’s Dhaka-bound bus from Gaibandha were involved in the collision, said Hellal Uddin, OC of the bridge’s west-end police station. Of the victims, 12 died on the spot including both the drivers. Four others succumbed to injuries on their way to hospital. Sirajganj Sadar Hospital’s Resident Medical Officer Faridul Islam said the victims were first admitted to different hospitals in the district town but later shifted to Sadar hospital. In critical condition, 24 of them were taken to Bogra Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College and Hospital (SZRMCH) for better treatment. Sirajganj Sadar Hospital authorities said they handed over eight bodies to the relatives until Sunday. Six bodies were kept at the hospital, they said. Sirajganj Civil Surgeon Debaprasad Roy said two people died on the way to the SZRMCH and their bodies were at the hospital. Another passenger died at the hospital around 7:30pm on Sunday, he added. The Bridges Division, Fire Service and Civil Defence, and police rescued the passengers until 10pm. Deputy Commissioner Billal Hossain, SP Miraj Uddin Ahammed and Bridges Division Traffic Manager Lieutenant Commander Mujahid Uddin visited the accident site. A five-member committee has been set up to investigate the accident and submit their findings within three days, Deputy Commissioner Hossain told bdnews24.com.