26 dead as speedboat overturns after hitting bulkhead anchored in Padma

At least 26 people were killed as a speedboat overturned after hitting a sand-laden bulkhead anchored in Padma in Madaripur's Shibchar upazila this morning.

One of the deceased was identified as Taher Ali (35), a resident of Rajor upazila in Madaripur, reports our Faripur correspondent.

Five people were rescued alive. They were taken to Shibchar Upazila Health Complex.

The accident occurred near old terminal at Kathalbari, one kilometre off Banglabazar Ferry Ghat area, around 7:00am.

Photo courtesy: Prothom Alo

In total, 26 bodies were recovered from the Padma river so far, said Ashiqur Rahman, inspector of Banglabazar Ferry Ghat Traffic Police.

All the deceased -- one female and 25 males -- were passengers of the speedboat.

Photo: Collected

District and naval police, divers of Fire Service and Civil Defence, ferry ghat authorities along with locals are conducting the rescue operation.

In-charge of local naval police, Abdur Razzak, said the speedboat was coming to Banglabazar Ferry Ghat, taking passengers from Shimulia ghat of Munshiganj.

On the way, it hit the bulkhead and overturned in the river, our correspondent reports quoting the naval police in-charge.

Photo: Collected

The speedboat was carrying passengers, violating the restriction imposed by the government amid the pandemic situation, said Madaripur Deputy Commissioner Rahima Khatun.

The accident occurred as there was not sufficient light in the morning and also the driver was not skilled enough, the DC said.  

Owner of the speedboat, Chandu Mia, does not have registration while its driver Md Shah Alam has no license, ghat authorities said. 

PROBE COMMITTEE FORMED

District Administration has formed a six-member committee -- with Deputy Director of Local Government Azharul Islam as its convener -- to investigate the accident, Madaripur DC Rahima Khatun told The Daily Star.

The committee, which also includes representatives of magistrates, naval police and fire service, has been asked to submit probe report within three working days.

Family of each victim will receive Tk 20,000 assistance for funeral, the DC said.