One killed as jeep plunges into ravine in Bandarban, 20 injured

A man was killed and at least 20 others injured after a jeep plunged into a ravine in Alikadam upazila of Bandarban this morning.

The accident occurred around 11:00am near Jobiram Para in the Kolarjhiri area of the upazila, said police.

The deceased was identified as Thoingya Mro, 25. All passengers onboard the vehicle were members of the Mro community and residents of the same village.

At least 20 others were injured in the accident, 10 of whom sustained critical injuries. They were sent to Cox's Bazar Christian Memorial Hospital for advanced treatment. The remaining injured are undergoing treatment at the Alikadam Upazila Health Complex, confirmed Mirza Zahid Uddin, officer-in-charge of Alikadam Police Station.

"The B-70 jeep lost control and fell about 50 feet down the hill, resulting in one death on the spot. Police and fire service personnel reached the scene, and further details are being gathered," the OC added.

According to eyewitness Menwai Mro, who was also attending the wedding, the jeep was en route to a wedding ceremony in Menpa Mro Para of Kolarjhiri from Tongpong Mro Para.

The vehicle was carrying 34 people, most of them women and children, which is far beyond its capacity.

Around eight kilometres from Panbazar, near Jobiram Tripura Para, the overloaded vehicle lost control and plunged approximately 50 feet into a ravine.