Two killed as three buses collide on Dhaka–Sylhet highway

Two people were killed in a road accident involving three buses on the Dhaka–Sylhet highway in Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet early today.

The identities of the deceased could not be confirmed immediately. However, eyewitnesses said both victims were the driver and helper of a Shyamoli Paribahan bus, Osmaninagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Morshedul Hasan Bhuiyan told The Daily Star.

Quoting witnesses, the OC said the accident occurred around 6:30am on the highway in Dayamir area when a high-speed Ena Paribahan bus coming from Dhaka collided head-on with a Shyamoli Paribahan bus heading towards Sylhet in front of Dayamir Madrasa. Another bus following the Ena Paribahan vehicle was also involved in the crash.

The front portions of the Ena and Shyamoli buses were badly damaged, leaving the Shyamoli Paribahan's bus driver and helper dead on the spot. At least 10 passengers were injured, the OC said.

On information, teams from Tajpur Fire Service, local police and highway police rushed to the scene, rescued the injured and sent them to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital.

Following the accident, a long traffic jam formed on the highway. As of filing this report, vehicles were stranded for several kilometres on both sides of the road, while police were working to restore traffic movement.