5 brothers killed in road accident days after father’s death

Five siblings were killed and five others of the same family were injured when a pick-up truck ran over them as they were crossing a road in Chakaria, Cox's Bazar.

The accident took place on Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Highway near the Malumghat area of Chakaria upazila at around 5am on Tuesday (8 February).

The deceased, Anupam Shil, 47, Nirupam Shil, 45, Deepak Shil, 40, and Champak Shil, 30, Sharan Shil, 29 – were all brothers, confirmed Malumghat Highway Police Outpost In-Charge Shafayet Hossain.

As the condition of two of the injured were critical they were sent to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where one of them later died. The three others were sent to Malumghat Memorial Christian Hospital.

OC Shafayet Hossain said said nine members of the same family were returning home after a family religious function.

On the way, while crossing the Cox's Bazar-Chittagong highway, a speeding pickup heading towards Cox's Bazar hit them and all were seriously injured on the spot.

He said they were later rescued and taken to a local hospital, where doctors declared four of the brothers dead, he said. Another person died while undergoing treatment around 3pm on Tuesday.

The pickup van was seized and an attempt is being made to apprehend the fugitive driver and helper, Safayet said.

According to family sources, the father of the deceased Suresh Chandra Shil died on 28 January. Following religious rites, shraddha (a type of funeral) ceremony was held at Suresh's ancestral home ten days after his death.

Suresh's seven sons and two daughters went to attend the ceremony. The tragic accident happened on the way back home together after the ceremony.

Runendu Dey, headmaster of Malumghat Memorial Christian High School, a resident of the same area, said, "Suresh died of an illness just ten days ago. His children were returning from his shraddha. The family lost five more of its members even before they could mourn for the patriarch of the family."

Meanwhile, the local administration has arranged for the funeral of the dead and treatment of the injured.

Chakaria Upazila Nirbahi Officer JP Dewan said, "Necessary steps have already been taken to bury the dead and the administration will provide financial assistance to the families of the victims."

Dulhazara UP Chairman Hasanul Islam Adar said, "Accidents are happening almost every day along the 37 km stretch of the highway. Immediate action must be taken to stop the accidents. We have informed the concerned people, we hope they will take immediate action to prevent the accidents."