Two students were killed and at least 30 others injured after a chain collision involving four vehicles occurred on the Dhaka–Aricha Highway in the Islampur area of Dhamrai Upazila on Saturday morning (July 25).
The deceased were identified as Abash Saha, a postgraduate student at Manikganj Devendra College and a resident of Dendabor in Ashulia, Savar, and Sujoy Saha, an HSC examinee from Shibalaya Upazila in Manikganj. Family members said the two were cousins.
According to police, the accident began when a passenger bus developed a mechanical fault and came to a stop on the highway.
A private car, a covered van, and a motorcycle traveling behind the disabled bus slowed down in an attempt to avoid a collision.
Moments later, a speeding bus belonging to Swadhin Paribahan failed to maintain control and crashed into the motorcycle, the covered van, and the private car from behind.
The impact threw the two students traveling on the motorcycle onto the road, leaving them critically injured.
Local residents and rescue workers quickly transported them to the Dhamrai Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared both dead upon arrival.
The collision also left at least 30 passengers traveling in the buses, private car, and covered van injured.
Several victims received first aid at the scene, while others were admitted to nearby hospitals and clinics for further treatment.
Saugat Alam, Officer-in-Charge of Savar Highway Police Station, said the accident originated after a passenger bus broke down on the highway, creating an unexpected obstruction.
He added that the speeding bus struck multiple vehicles from behind, resulting in the fatalities and numerous injuries.
Meanwhile, Sub-Inspector (SI) Shahadat Hossain of Savar Highway Police said officers quickly reached the scene after the accident and removed the damaged vehicles to restore traffic flow on the highway.
He also confirmed that the families of the deceased had been informed and that further legal action would be taken based on any complaints filed by the victims' relatives.
The tragic incident once again highlights how a moment of inattention and unexpected road conditions can quickly escalate into a devastating highway disaster, claiming lives and leaving many others injured.