TEKNAF, February 26, (V7N) — A tragic road accident in Teknaf Upazila claimed the life of a nine-year-old child on Thursday afternoon, triggering an angry backlash from local residents who set a vehicle ablaze in protest.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 PM in the Godarpara area of Hoaikyong Union on the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf highway. According to police and eyewitnesses, a speeding dumper truck transporting soil lost control and struck pedestrians before colliding with another truck.
Casualties and Aftermath

The Deceased: Identified as Sohag (9), son of Nurul Hakim and a resident of Hoaikyong Godarpara. He reportedly died on the spot due to the impact.

The Injured: Amir Hamza (73), a resident of the same area, sustained critical injuries. Locals rescued him and rushed him to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital for emergency treatment.

Public Outcry and Police Intervention

The driver of the dumper truck fled the scene immediately after the collision, sparking intense fury among the local community. The agitated crowd seized the abandoned dumper and set it on fire, causing the vehicle to be completely gutted.

Khokon Kanti Rudra, In-charge of the Hoaikyong Police Outpost, confirmed that teams from both the local outpost and the Highway Police were dispatched to the scene to pacify the protesters. "The body has been recovered and sent to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital for an autopsy. While the vehicle was destroyed by fire, we have managed to bring the situation under control and restore normal traffic flow," he stated.
Legal Status

Authorities are currently working to identify the fleeing driver and the owner of the dumper truck. Local residents have frequently complained about the reckless driving of soil-transporting dumpers on this highway, calling for stricter enforcement of speed limits and heavy-vehicle regulations.

Police confirmed that legal proceedings are underway, and a formal case will be filed regarding the fatal accident and the subsequent unrest.

END/SIU/RH