14 killed after multi-vehicle crash in Jhalakathi

At least 14 people were killed, 25 others injured when a speeding cement-laden truck lost control and rammed several vehicles before plunging into a roadside ditch at Gabkhan Bridge toll plaza in Jhalakathi on Wednesday.

The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately.

Seven passengers including children in a private car died on the spot after getting stuck under the cement-laden truck. Additionally, four others from the auto-rickshaw died. 

The accident occurred around 1:30pm when the truck ploughed through ten vehicles including an auto-rickshaw and a private car, standing in front of the toll gate.

It then hurtled into the roadside ditch, leaving eleven people dead and 25 others injured, said Shafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Jhalakathi Sadar police station.

The injured were taken to different hospitals.