A speeding bus veered off a major expressway in central Bangladesh and plunged into a ditch, killing at least 19 people and injuring dozens, police said.
The death toll could rise further as some of the injured passengers are in critical condition, said Anowar Hossain, police official of Shibchar, where the crash occurred. The city is 80 kilometers away from the capital Dhaka.
The bus, carrying more than 40 passengers, fell about 9 meters (30 feet) into a roadside ditch after breaking through the railing of the newly built Padma river bridge expressway, Hossain said.
The driver, who was killed, appeared to have lost control of the vehicle after a tire burst, he said, adding that the cause of the accident was under investigation.
Road accidents are common in Bangladesh, often blamed on reckless driving, old vehicles and poor safety rules, and killing thousands each year.
www.voanews.com/a/at-least-19-killed-in-bus-accident-in-bangladesh-/7011832.html
» Subscribe to VOA News: bit.ly/3KIPysi
» Watch more VOA News video: www.youtube.com/c/VOANews
Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.8 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of approximately 3,000 affiliate stations.
Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press.
Connect with VOA News:
» VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.voanews.com/
» LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/voanews
» FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/voanews/
» FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: twitter.com/VOANews
