5 killed in Dhaka as viaduct segment falls on car

A segment of viaduct – being used in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project – fell on a private car following a crane malfunction in Dhaka’s Jashimuddin area on Monday, leaving at least five of the passengers dead, and 2 injured.

Confirming the matter to The Business Post, Inspector (investigation) Mohammad Yasin Gazi of Uttara West Police Station said, “There were seven people in the car, all from the same family.

“Rubel, 50, his wife Fahima, 42, her sister Jharna, 28, and Jharna’s children Jannat, 6, and Zakaria, 2 died on the spot. Hridoy, 26, and Riya Moni, 21, – who are newlyweds – managed the exit the crumpled car after the accident and survived.”

Riya is Rubel’s daughter. The surviving duo is now undergoing treatment at a city hospital. Bodies of the victims have been sent to the Suhrawardy Medical College morgue for autopsy, Mohsin added.

According to witnesses, the crane tiled to one side while moving the viaduct, and lost its balance. The segment then fell directly on the car and crushed the vehicle along with its passengers. Eyewitnesses then called firefighters to launch a rescue operation.

The couple, along with other family members, was heading towards the bride’s home in Khejurbari of Ashulia from the groom’s residence in Kawla. Rubel was driving the car, said Rakib Hossain – a family member.

ASM Elias Shah, project director of the at-grade part of the BRT, told the media that the accident will be investigated to determine the cause.

Meanwhile, BRT Managing Director Safiqul Islam said, “There was no lack of safety. The accident took place due to a mechanical failure of the crane carrying the viaduct segment. It fell on the car while being lifted onto a truck for transportation elsewhere.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock and sorrow at the loss of lives. In a condolence message, she prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family. The Premier also prayed for a quick recovery of the injured victims, reports BSS.