By Camp Correspondent
Camp-04, Block C02 – December 11, 2024
A devastating truck accident in Camp-04, Block C02 of the Rohingya refugee camps, has left a 65-year-old woman critically injured and resulted in the destruction of two shelters. The incident occurred at approximately 12:10 PM near the GK (RTMI) Hospital in the camp.
According to eyewitness accounts, a truck belonging to the humanitarian organization Codec lost control while climbing a steep path. The truck, loaded with bamboo, veered off course and crashed into two shelters, completely demolishing them.
Sara Khatun, an elderly resident, was nearby when the accident occurred. She sustained critical injuries and was initially rushed to a local healthcare facility. Due to the severity of her condition, she was later referred to Cox’s Bazar for advanced medical treatment.
Camp residents expressed their shock and grief over the incident. “It’s heartbreaking. Two families have lost their homes, and an elderly woman is now fighting for her life,” shared a community member who witnessed the aftermath.
Immediate Response
Humanitarian organizations and camp authorities have taken swift action to support the affected families. Temporary shelters are being arranged for those who lost their homes, and local teams are assessing the damage caused by the accident.
However, the incident has raised urgent concerns about road safety and infrastructure within the overcrowded camps. Camp residents have called for stricter traffic regulations and improved road conditions to prevent similar tragedies.
Need for Infrastructure Improvements
This tragic accident underscores the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and safety measures in the refugee camps. Steep paths, narrow roads, and the lack of effective traffic management create hazardous conditions, particularly for heavily loaded vehicles like trucks carrying essential supplies.
Residents and humanitarian workers alike have emphasized the importance of immediate action to address these challenges. Ensuring the safety of both residents and workers transporting goods is essential to prevent further accidents.
Awaiting Updates
The condition of Sara Khatun remains critical, and updates on her recovery are awaited. Efforts to rehabilitate the affected families and repair the damage caused by the accident are ongoing.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by the Rohingya refugee community and the importance of prioritizing safety and infrastructure improvements to protect those living in such precarious conditions.
