Panchagarh Boat Capsize: Death Toll Rises to 69

The death toll from the boat capsize in Karatoya river in Panchagarh rose to 69 after one more body was recovered today. Still, three others remained missing. 

The deceased was identified as Himalay Chandra Roy (26), son of Biren Chandra of Khalpara area of Moydandighee UP of Boda Upazila of the district.

Meanwhile, several units of Panchagarh Fire Service have been engaged in rescue work in different areas of Karatoya river including Auliaghat from 5 am on Wednesday for the fourth consecutive day. Rescue operations were conducted throughout the day and the body was recovered a few yards away from the spot in the afternoon. An investigation committee has been formed into this incident.

Among the dead, are 31 women, 18 men, and 21 children. However, three people, including two men and a child, are still missing.

Of the dead, 45 are resident of Boda upazila, 18 from Debiganj upazila, 2 from Atwari, 3 from Thakurgaon Sadar and one from Panchagarh Sadar. 

The fire service personnel continued to rescue the four people who are still missing from this terrible accident. However, as it was night, they stopped the rescue work on Wednesday. Fire service members will start the rescue work tomorrow morning. 

On September 25, the engine-run trawler packed with over a hundred passengers capsized at Awalia Ghat in Madea union of Boda Upazila.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Boda Police Station Sujoy Kumar Roy earlier said the boat was on its way to Badeshwari temple in Barashashi union when the accident occurred. Witnesses and survivors said there were more than 100 passengers on the boat that had a capacity of around 50.

Md Jahurul Islam, deputy commissioner of Panchagarh said at least 70-80 people were rescued alive in the incident.

Panchgani Additional District Magistrate Dipankar Roy said that the families of each of the victims are being given Tk 20,000 for cremation._Agencies