UNB, Dhaka

At least 622 people were killed and 1,652 others injured in road accidents across Bangladesh in May, according to a report released yesterday by Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity (BJKS).

The passenger welfare organisation’s Accident Monitoring Cell compiled the figures through media monitoring, noting that actual casualties could be significantly higher as many incidents go unreported.

Factoring in rail and waterway accidents, the combined toll for May stood at 671 deaths and 1,696 injuries across 676 incidents. Rail accidents numbered 42, leaving 34 dead and 29 hurt, while 21 waterway incidents claimed 15 lives, injured 15 and left seven missing.

Motorbikes emerged as the most dangerous vehicle category, with 221 accidents killing 231 and injuring 219, accounting for 36.05 percent of all road accidents and 37.13 percent of fatalities.

The report was made public through a statement signed by BJKS Secretary General Md Mozammel Haq Chowdhury.

Dhaka Division recorded the highest number of road accidents in May, 180 crashes killing 185 and injuring 558. Mymensingh Division reported the fewest, with 27 accidents, 38 deaths and 67 injuries.

Among those killed were 136 drivers, 110 pedestrians, 73 students, 69 women, 59 children, 49 transport workers, eight teachers, two police personnel, two BGB members, one physician, one freedom fighter and one lawyer.