The deads are Shahina, Hazera and Majeda, all milkmaids aged about 50, and Manzu Khan, 45. The identities of two men aged around 45 could not be known immediately.

Witnesses said the Bogra-bound bus from Natore hit the taxi at 6:45pm in Beergram village, 8km off the district town.

All the six occupants of the Nandigram-bound taxi fell out of the vehicle and the three women died on the spot. The three others died on way to hospital.

Losing control over the wheel, the bus driver hit the rickshawvan carrying eight passengers who were returning from a local market.

Of them, critically injured Atiqul, Rahim and Manik were admitted to Mohammad Ali Hospital in Bogra. Others suffered minor injuries.

Hearing the bang of the accident, locals rushed to the spot but the bus sped away.

Witnesses said the bus driver could not notice the taxi as the latter had no headlights.