2 monks among 3 killed as microbus falls into ditch

Three people were killed and several others injured after a microbus carrying Buddhist monks plunged into a roadside ditch in Lohagara upazila of Chattogram yesterday morning.

The deceased were identified as Buddhist monks Agar Dayma, 25, Sa Ching Marma, 24, and driver Loveri Marma, 26.

Abdul Mannan, deputy assistant director of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence in Chattogram, said the vehicle, travelling from Cox’s Bazar to Chattogram, veered off the road in the Chunati Jangalia area around 9:30am after the driver lost control.

“The vehicle was severely mangled upon impact. Three people died on the spot,” he told The Daily Star.

Locals rescued the injured and rushed them to nearby hospitals.

Ruhul Amin, sub-inspector of Dohazari Highway Police Station, said efforts are underway to identify the victims and inform their families.

“The bodies have been handed over to the highway police for further legal formalities,” he added.

Police are investigating whether speeding or mechanical failure caused the crash.5