Dhaka, Bangladesh – A tragic road accident in southeastern Noakhali district of Bangladesh has claimed the lives of seven members of the same family. According to Bangladeshi media outlet Sinha, three of the deceased were children.

According to Mobarak Hossain, chief of the Chandraganj Highway Police Outpost, the victims were returning home in a microbus after receiving a relative from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The accident occurred in the Begumganj sub-district when the vehicle lost control and plunged into a roadside canal.

“We suspect the driver may have fallen asleep, causing the vehicle to lose control and veer into the canal,” he said.

The accident occurred around 6 a.m. local time, and all passengers were confirmed dead at the scene.

Road accidents in Bangladesh remain alarmingly high. Experts say the problem is worsening due to poor road infrastructure, poorly maintained vehicles, unqualified drivers flouting traffic rules, and weak oversight by traffic authorities.