Bangladesh
Speedboat Accident Speedboat sinks after colliding with bulkhead at Shibchar, 26 killed
Dhaka, May 3: At least 26 people were killed when a speedboat sank after colliding with a bulkhead at the old wharf at Banglabazar in Kanthalbari of Shibchar upazila in Madaripur. The bodies of 21 of them have been handed over to their relatives.
The speedboat sank in the Padma River at the old wharf of Banglabazar in Kanthalbari on Monday (May 3) morning. The bodies are kept in the premises of Haji Yasin Mollakandi Dotara Government Primary School, Kathalbari. From there the body is being handed over to the relatives.
It is to be mentioned that the speedboat with 30 passengers left from Shimulia of Munshiganj at 6:45 am on Monday. At that time, the speedboat sank after hitting a bulkhead carrying sand at the old wharf at Madaripur Kanthalbari Banglabazar. At that time all the passengers fell into the water. Later, 24 bodies were recovered from the river one by one. Six were rescued alive and taken to hospital, where two more died. Local and fire service personnel conducted the rescue operation.
Madaripur Deputy Commissioner has formed a six-member committee at noon to investigate the incident. Rahima Khatun. Additional Deputy Commissioner Azaharul Islam has been convened in the committee. They will report within three working days.
Other members of the committee are: Shibchar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Ashaduzzaman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Shibchar Police Station Miraj Hossain, Assistant Director of Shipping Safety and Traffic Management Department of Shimulia BIWTA Md. Shahadat Hossain, Madaripur Shibchar Charjanajat Naval Police Incharge Sheikh. Md. Abdur Razzak and Narayanganj Pagla Bangladesh Coast Guard Station Commander Lt. Asmadul.
Meanwhile, speedboat driver Shah Alam has been admitted to Shibchar Upazila Health Complex.
Madaripur Deputy Commissioner Dr Rahima Khatun said, "We have already visited the accident site. We have spoken to the families of those killed in the accident. Each family of those killed in the tragic boat accident is being provided assistance of Tk 20,000."
