Three people, including a father and his son, were killed and eight others injured after a cattle-laden bhotbhoti overturned in Puskuni area of Shibganj upazila in Chapainawabganj on Wednesday night.

The accident occurred at around 8:00pm in Puskuni area of Chakkirti Union when the vehicle reportedly lost control and overturned while returning from Sonai Chandi cattle market after the group had bought cattle.

The deceased were identified as Ayas Uddin, his son Shariful Islam and Abdul Hakim, all residents of Policemail area under Kansat Union of Shibganj upazila.

According to Shafiqul Islam, a relative of the deceased, he, his father-in-law and 10 to 12 others had gone to Sonai Chandi market to buy cattle. On their way back, the cattle-laden bhotbhoti overturned after reaching Puskuni area.

Ayas Uddin died at the scene. His son Shariful Islam died while being taken to hospital with serious injuries. Abdul Hakim later died while undergoing treatment at hospital.

Dr Abul Hayat, the duty doctor at Shibganj Upazila Health Complex, confirmed the deaths. He said one person had been brought to the hospital dead, while another was confirmed dead at the scene. Another injured person later died while undergoing treatment.

Five of the injured were in critical condition and were referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital after receiving initial treatment, the doctor said.

Shibganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Motiur Rahman said police visited the scene after receiving the news and arranged for the injured to be taken to hospital quickly.

The death of the father and son was extremely tragic, he said, adding that legal action would be taken over the incident.