Road accidents claim 312 lives in 12 days during Eid holidays: RSF

The data shows an alarming 29.03% rise in fatalities compared to the same period last year, with an average of 26 deaths reported daily.

The estimated loss of human resources due to the accidents stands at Tk 1,218.72 crore.

Among the deceased were 47 women and 63 children.

The report, compiled based on information from nine national dailies, seven online news portals, electronic media and the Foundation's own sources, also highlights significant casualties from motorcycle crashes.

Motorcycles were involved in 121 accidents, killing 107 people—accounting for 34.29% of total fatalities and 34.87% of total crashes. Besides, 44 pedestrians (14.10%) and 51 drivers or their assistants (16.34%) also lost their lives.

The Foundation also recorded nine waterway accidents resulting in 10 deaths and eight injuries, while 32 railway-related incidents killed 21 people and injured 17.

Vehicles involved in the accidents include 19.35 per cent buses, 18 per cent pick-up vans, covered vans and lorries, 8.31 per cent private cars, jeeps and microbuses, 21.73 per cent motorbikes, 21.39 percent battery-run human haulers and 6.96 per cent three-wheeler vehicles.

Of the accidents, 39.19 per cent occurred on national highways, 34.87 per cent on regional roads, and 16.13 per cent on other roads.

The RSF report revealed that Dhaka division saw the highest number of deaths with 34.72 percent fatalities, while Sylhet division recorded the lowest number of accidents with just 3.74 percent fatalities.

At least 87 people died in 116 accidents in Dhaka division.

Faridpur district recorded the highest number of crashes in any single district with 27 accidents and 19 deaths.

The Road Safety Foundation emphasized the urgent need for stricter road safety regulations, enhanced law enforcement, and awareness campaigns to curb the growing number of fatalities during holiday seasons, reports UNB.