At least two people were killed and three others injured after a truck hit an auto-rickshaw in Amtali upazila of Barguna on Tuesday evening.
The accident occurred on the Patuakhali–Kuakata highway near the Amtali Fire Service Station.
The deceased were identified as Mirajul Islam Shawon, 20, a resident of Sonakhali village under Atharogachia union in Amtali, and Bellal, 35, a resident of Mohishdanga area of Alipur in Patuakhali.
According to police and local sources, the auto-rickshaw was heading toward Amtali from Mohishkata with passengers on board when a speeding truck coming from the opposite direction hit it, triggering a severe collision. The impact crushed the three-wheeler, injuring all five occupants.
Locals rescued the victims and took them to Amtali Upazila Health Complex. After receiving initial treatment, they were referred to Barishal for advanced medical care.
Bellal died in the ambulance on the way to Barishal, while Shawon succumbed to his injuries after being taken to a hospital in Patuakhali.
Police said the truck has been seized, but its driver fled the scene immediately after the incident, said Amtali police station officer-in-charge Jahangir Hossain.
Police were looking into the matter, the OC said, adding that legal proceedings were underway.
Nurul Ahad Onik/MHK