Bogra, Bangladesh—Five people died when a passenger bus collided with a cargo truck on a major highway early this morning. The bus was traveling toward Dhaka when it attempted to overtake another vehicle. It struck an oncoming truck at high speed on a narrow bridge.

The impact crushed the front of the bus and pushed both vehicles into the road barriers. Passengers trapped inside the mangled metal required the assistance of local villagers and fire service crews. Rescuers worked for two hours to extract the survivors from the wreckage.

Paramedics confirmed five fatalities on the scene, including the bus driver and four passengers. At least fifteen others sustained injuries ranging from fractures to internal trauma. The injured were transported to the Bogra Medical College Hospital for urgent treatment.

Witnesses stated that the truck driver escaped the scene before police could arrive. Officers found the truck abandoned near the bridge with significant damage to the cabin. They have launched a manhunt to locate the operator and hold him accountable for the incident.

Traffic on the highway came to a complete standstill for four hours while salvage crews removed the vehicles. Long lines of traffic stretched across the district as commuters waited for the road to clear. Highway patrols have since restored limited traffic flow in both directions.

District officials have promised a full investigation into the cause of the accident. They will examine the mechanical condition of the bus and the speed at which it was traveling. Residents have long criticized the dangerous driving habits on this specific route.

Many families gathered at the hospital throughout the afternoon, searching for news of their missing relatives. The government has pledged to cover the medical costs for all survivors. Police are now collecting statements from witnesses to build a case against the drivers involved.

The highway authority has ordered an immediate review of all road signs and safety barriers near the bridge. They acknowledge that speeding is a chronic issue that leads to such preventable tragedies. No further details about the victims have been released pending family notification.