Jhalakathi Launch Fire: Most Passengers Were Asleep

The bodies of 36 people have been recovered in a horrific fire on a launch named MV Abhiyan-10 bound for Barguna from Dhaka on Sugandha river in Jhalokati. The launch caught fire on Sugandha river of Jhalokathi district early Friday (December 24). Most of the passengers were asleep at the time.

The injured said the launch was going to Barguna. Most of the passengers were asleep at the time. When they reached near Jhalokati launch ghat at around 3 pm, the staff of the launch kept calling the passengers of Jhalokati to get off at the wharf. Suddenly, seeing the fire, the passengers started running in different directions. At this time some people jumped into the river. The condition of most of the passengers is critical. They were found dying in a coma.   

Jhalokati Sadar Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Khalilur Rahman said 60-70 out of 500 passengers on the launch were burnt. Several have died. The burn victims were rushed to a nearby hospital. The critically injured have been shifted to the burn unit of Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

Fire service, police and locals started the rescue operation immediately after receiving the news. However, rescue operations are gaining momentum due to fog. At present, the launch is anchored near Deurisyclone Shelter (on the banks of Bishkhali river) in Ponabalia union of Jhalokati Sadar upazila.