At least 29 people, including two women and a child were killed, and 20 others injured today when two passenger buses collided head-on in northwestern Bangladesh.
The accident took place on the Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway in Natore district when the two buses collided this afternoon killing 22 people on the spot while injuring many others.
There was confusion over the number of dead as different police officers gave varying numbers, Bangladeshi media reported.
The bodies of 18 victims, including those of two women and a child, has been handed over to their relatives while five more bodies will be handed over soon, an official in Bonparha, Ruad Ruhani said, adding, six more bodies were kept at the Sadar Hospital and Barhaigram Health Centre.
Basudev Banik, Superintendent of Police in Natore, said the injured were rushed to near-by hospitals where some of them were said to be in critical condition.
The number of people killed could rise further, he added.
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed condolences and ordered authorities to arrange treatment for those injured.
Vehicular movement on the highway has been suspended following the accident, causing huge tailbacks on both sides of the road.
An investigation has been launched into the accident. A three-member committee led by Additional District Magistrate Mohammad Ali has been asked to file a report within three working days.
