A speedy microbus plunged into a roadside ditch at Chakaria in Cox’s Bazar district on Sunday, leaving  seven passengers dead.

Of the deceased, five are from two families. Two other passengers sustained minor injuries in the accident and they are receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Hasibul Hasan, assistant traffic sub-inspector (ATSI) of Chiringa Highway Police Station, told the Daily Sun over phone that they could identify the bodies of six victims. But the driver of the vehicle remained unhurt and fled the scene to escape arrest. Police are trying to arrest the driver. The microbus was going to Banshkhali in Chattogram.

“When the microbus reached Vendibazar at Atabbarpara in Fasiakhali, a woman passer-by suddenly came before it. As the driver maneuvered the microbus, he lost control of it and the vehicle plunged into a roadside ditch,” he said.

A case is underway.