5 dead due to heat on overcrowded ferries in Madaripur, 8 others unwell

Five people died after they fell sick due to the heat on two overcrowded ferries in Madaripur's Banglabazar today.

Eight others fell ill at the same time this noon, Shibchar Police Station's Officer-in-Charge Miraz Hossain told The Daily Star.

The deceased include three men and two women. Three of them were identified as Nurul Uddin of Barishal, Nipa Aktar of Madaripur and Md Ansar of Shariatpur, reports our Madaripur correspondent quoting Rahima Khatun, deputy commissioner of Madaripur.

Of them, four were on ferry Enayetpuri while the other was on ferry Shah Poran, said Golam Mostafa Rasel, superintendent of Madaripur police.

"It was an accident, but if we smell any foul play, legal actions will be taken," the SP said.

Mdaripur district administration has given Taka 20000 as compensation to the families of each of the victims, DC Rahima Khatun said.

"Deputy magistrates, police and members of BGB are working to prevent any such incidents in the future," she added.

The eight passengers who fell ill were admitted to Shibchar Upazila Health Complex, Shibchar Police Station OC said.