Launch capsize in Shitalakkhya: 6 dead, 20 missing

At least six peopele including three women were killed and 20 people still missing after a launch capsized in the Shitalakkhya River in Narayanganj Sadar upazila today.

Narayanganj Fire Service and Civil Defence Deputy Assistant Director Abdullah Al Arefin, confirmed the development to The Daily Star.

The rescue team recovered the bodies of three women, a man and a child from the river this afternoon, Abdullah Al Arefin told our Narayanganj correspondent.

Three of the deceased were identified as Joynal Bhuiyan (50), Arifa (35) and her 15-month-old son Safayet Hossain, a girl, aged around seven and another girl, aged around 19-20.

Besides, a woman, aged around 30, injured in the launch capcize, died at Narayanganj Sadar Hospital this afternoon, said the fire service official.

The launch ML Afsar Uddin carrying at least 50 to 60 passengers sank in the river after it was hit by a cargo ship named MV Rupshi-9  around 2:15pm, our local correspondent reports quoting Babu Lal Baidya, deputy director of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) in Narayanganj.

The launch – Afsar Uddin -- started for Munshiganj from Narayanganj terminal, said Babu Lal Baidya, deputy director of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) in Narayanganj.

Later, it capsized in front of a bridge on the river, he said quoting locals.

Narayanganj Fire Service and Civil Defence Deputy Assistant Director Abdullah Al Arefin said that fire fighters reached the spot and started rescue operation.

Talking to The Daily Star, Khorshed Alam, a passenger of the lunch who was rescued, however said more than 50 passengers were on the launch when he sank in the river.

"By the grace of Allah, I am alive. Many jumped into the river from the launch while many couldn't do so.," said the passenger.

After receiving the news of launch capsize, relatives and locals thronged the bank of river, added our correspondent.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has opened a control room at its headquarters in Dhaka for getting emergency contract regarding the launch capsize.

The numbers of control room are: Hotline 16113,-617: Telephone: +8802223352306; Mobile: +8801958658213.