One killed in launch, steamer collision

Sources said MV Ababil-2, a Dhaka-bound empty launch from Chandpur, hit the Barisal-bound steamer with over 600 people aboard, killing one person and injuring seven or eight others.

The dead was identified as Mohsin Mirza, 25, of Karbandh village in Matlab Dakkhin Thana of Chandpur district. Another youth was reported missing, but his identity could not be ascertained.

Passengers said the unknown youth fell into the river from the steamer after being hit by the launch.

BIWTA officials said the accident took place at about 9:00pm when the launch was returning to Dhaka to carry the homebound people and hit the steamer amid dense fog.

Of the injured, Khokon, 30, Suman, 16, Shaheed, 15, Jewel, 16, and Selina Shabnam, 26, were sent to Dhaka in critical condition.

Later, the steamer anchored overnight at Chandpur terminal and started its journey again on Barisal-Khulna route Wednesday morning.

Master of the steamer Enayet Hossain filed a case in this connection.