3 die as microbus carrying Buddhist monks falls into ditch

Three people were killed and several others injured after a microbus carrying a group of Buddhist monks plunged into a roadside ditch in Lohagara upazila of Chattogram this morning (28 April). 

Police said they recovered the bodies of the deceased from the scene and rescued the injured who were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The deceased have been identified as a driver of the Youngdo Monastery in Khagrachhari; Khyaching Kodaw, resident head of Youngdo Monastery; and Agadhamma Bhikkhu, principal of the Wasu Palitol Monastery.

According to police and local sources, the microbus was travelling from Cox’s Bazar to Khagrachhari and was carrying Buddhist monks and their attendants. Two monks and the driver were killed in the accident.

Karuna Bangsha Bhikkhu, information and publicity secretary of Parbatya Bhikkhu Sangha, said that the group had recently been on a visit to Bandarban.

“They were returning to Khagrachhari via Cox’s Bazar when the accident occurred. The deceased monks were members of the Shasan Rakkhita Bhikkhu Sangha,” he added.

Officer-in-Charge of Lohagara Police Station Abdul Jalil told The Business Standard that police recovered the bodies and ensured treatment for the injured at Lohagara Upzila Health Complex.