15 hurt as minibus falls into ditch on Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf highway

At least 15 passengers were injured after a minibus fell into a roadside ditch on Cox's Bazar-Teknaf highway this noon.

The incident took place around 2:00pm when the driver of the Sea Line Paribahan minibus with 30 passengers lost control over the steering wheel.

At least 15 persons, including women and children, were injured, Gazi Salah Uddin, inspector (investigation) of Ukhia Police Station, said quoting witnesses.

Locals rushed to the spot and rescued the injured and took them to Kotbazar, Ukhia and Cox's Bazar Sadar hospitals.

Acting on information, police went to the spot and seized the vehicle but continue to look for the driver and helper who fled the scene after the accident, the police official said.  

Law enforcers are also gathering information on the owner of the minibus.

Passengers have alleged that the helper of the minibus was driving it while the driver was sitting beside him when the incident took place.