Lorry rams auto-rickshaw into pond, killing 2 in Cumilla

Two people, including the driver of a CNG-run auto-rickshaw, were killed after a lorry rammed into the vehicle on Dhaka-Chattogram highway, causing it to plunge into a roadside pond in Cumilla’s Chandina upazila on Wednesday.

The deceased were identified as Hanif Mia, 35, the auto-rickshaw driver from Panchkitta village under Nimsar Mokam union in Burichang upazila, and Labib Hossain, 15, a passenger from Dariapur village in Debidwar upazila of the district, said Eliotganj Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zakir Hossain.

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Another passenger sustained serious injuries in the accident.

The injured, Sajib Hossain, 24, from Dariapur village, is the cousin of deceased Labib.

According to local sources, the auto-rickshaw was travelling in the rain when it reached Nuritala area of Chandina around 2:30pm. A Chattogram-bound lorry hit the auto-rickshaw from behind, causing both vehicles to lose control and crash into a roadside pond.

Locals rescued the trapped driver and passengers from the submerged auto-rickshaw and rushed them to Chandina Upazila Health Complex. As their condition deteriorated, they were referred to different hospitals in Cumilla, where Hanif and Labib later succumbed to their injuries.

Family members of the deceased confirmed that their bodies were brought home after they were pronounced dead at the hospital in the afternoon.

“We are verifying the details and will take the necessary legal steps,” said Zakir Hossain.