Twenty-five killed in boat accident in Bangladesh

Dhaka, May 3 (Agency) At least 25 people were killed in a collision between two boats at the old Kanthalbari Ghat in Bangladesh on Monday, police said. Several people are missing in the incident. Ashikur Rahman, Traffic police Inspector at Banglabazar Ferry Ghat, told UNI that a speedboat with 30 passengers was heading towards Banglabazar Ferry Ghat from Shimulia in Munshiganj when it collided with a sand-laden bulkhead near the old Kanthalbari Ghat at Banglabazar Ferry Ghat. As an impact of the collision, the speedboat capsized. Twenty-five bodies have been recovered so far, Mr Rahman said.

Rescue work is underway. The incident took place when a speedboat collided with a sand-carrying bulkhead at the Banglabazar ferry terminal in Shibchar upazila of Madaripur. Five people were rescued in the incident, the Inspector said said, adding that the names of the victims are not yet known. One of the seriously injured has been sent to a hospital. Traffic police and naval police are conducting rescue operation and are being assisted by the locals.