Six injured as two launches collide in Meghna

At least six people were injured early yesterday when two launches collided in Meghna river, reportedly due to fog. 

Passenger launches Prince Awlad-4 and MV Tipu-12 collided head-on, said Anowar Hossain, a passenger of Awlad-4.

All injured were on board Awlad-4 and were taken to Chandpur Sadar Hospital. They are now out of danger, said Abdur Razzak, port officer of Chandpur river port.

The incident occurred between Alubazar and Eshanbala points of Meghna in Chandpur around 12:20am, said Ajmol Huda Mithu, deputy director of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority.

Litu Das, supervisor of Tipu-12, said they anchored the vessel for repair work, when suddenly Awlad-4 hit it head-on.

Mithu said authorities are trying to collect information about the incident. Tipu-12 was carrying more than 500 passengers, while Awlad-4 over 400.

Barishal and Chandpur BIWTA officials said the accident happened as the area was covered in fog.