Editorial
Deaths due to negligence
Somebody must be held to account
A few more of those who suffered from serious acid burn as a result of a collision between an acid laden truck and a passenger bus last week near Comilla have lost their battle, and succumbed to injuries. More than twenty were injured in the accident; regrettably, many of the injured, reportedly, have little chance of pulling through. These deaths are nothing but willful killing.
What makes the matter more poignant is the fact that most of the 15 that have died were middle class folks, some the only bread earner of the family, and one was a final year student of BUET. Their untimely deaths have dashed the dreams for a bright future of those who were dependent on the unfortunate victims.
What is most agonizing is the fact that all those who died in the accident lost their lives due to gross negligence and callous disregard for public safety on the part of those that were supposed to ensure that hazardous substance are transported in a way that does not cause harm to the people in and around the vicinity of the accident, should an accident occur.
We would like to ask, how can anyone, in any position of responsibility, allow a vehicle laden with dangerous chemicals to pass the gates of the factory, or from wherever they commenced their journey? It appears that this was the normal mode of transporting such materials, which has only come to light because of the accident. Why no proper measure was taken to indicate to others that the vehicle was transporting dangerous materials, and why no precaution was taken to ensure prevention of leakage of the deadly substance in case of accident?
It may be mentioned that we see very often trucks carrying iron rods that jut out of the tailboards posing serious danger to other vehicles, or overloaded vehicles weaving through the traffic right in the heart of the capital, looking as if they will collapse any time. And they do so under the very nose of the law enforcing agencies.
We are not aware whether those responsible for the deaths have been taken into custody as yet. Reportedly, the probe team has submitted its report which has confirmed the fact that hazardous chemical was being carried improperly.
We suggest that the police move quickly to ensure that such accidents do not recur, and that the guilty are hauled up immediately. The guilty must be made to pay adequate compensation to the families of those killed and also for the treatment of the injured. No amount of penance can atone for this grisly crime.
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