41 killed in Jhalakathi launch fire, 3 probe bodies formed

At least 41 people were killed and more than 70 sustained burn injuries as a passenger launch caught fire in the Sugandha river in Jhalakathi in the early hours of Friday. A total of 36 bodies of passengers have been recovered from the sport so far and another burn injured person passed away while undergoing treatment at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal hospital, police said. Over 70 people sustained burn injuries in the fire incident. Shipping Ministry, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and district administration formed three separate probe bodies to look into the incident. State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury visited the spot and announced that BIWRA will provide Taka 1.5 lakh to each family of those who were killed in Jhalakathi launch fire as financial aid.

Besides, Jhalakathi district administration announced to provide Taka 25,000 to each family of those who were killed in the fire incident. The state minister also visited burn injured people at Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital and enquired about their treatment. Talking to journalist, he said a seven-member probe body headed by the ministry's joint secretary Tofayel Ahmed was formed to look into the fire incident. The committee has been asked to submit probe report within three working days.

Police and Fire Service and Civil Defense sources said the Barguna-bound launch 'MV Ovijan 10', with over 300 passengers onboard, started its journey from Dhaka and it caught fire around 3 am in the Dapdapiya area of the Sugandha river in Jhalakathi. Deputy Director of Fire Service Kamal Uddin said it was suspected that the fire originated from an engine room of the launch when passengers of its cabins were sleeping.

He said the launch was anchored at the riverbank in Diakul area of Sadar upazila. Being tipped off, the fire service personnel of Jhalakathi went to the spot and brought the fire under control after two-hour efforts. The injured passengers were rescued and sent to Jhalakathi Sadar Hospital and Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal for treatment, police said. District administration and police officials are assisting with the fire service in conducting rescue operation. Police said the death toll may rise.