Karnafuli-3 Launch Catches Fire In Chandpur

A Dhaka-bound launch from Bhola, Karnafuli -3,  caught fire in the middle of the River Meghna in Chandpur district on Saturday morning. Passenger launch Karnaphuli-3, which was leaving for Dhaka Sadarghat with about five hundred passengers from Ilishaghat in Bhola. This time at least 10 passengers were injured after jumping into the river. Later for the safety of the passengers, the launch was anchored in an area called Abal Beel adjacent to Haimchar in Chandpur and the passengers were disembarked.

However, later the passengers were arranged to reach Dhaka safely through the other two launches Karnafuli-4 and Karnaghuli-11.

The launch authorities and passengers said that the Karnafuli-3 launch with more than 500 passengers left the Ilisha Launch Ghat in Bhola towards Dhaka around 8:30 am. Around 10:15 am, the engine room of the launch suddenly broke out with fire.

The passengers panicked after hearing the news of the fire. At that time, many people jumped from the launch into the river in fear. Failing to control the fire, the launch was anchored at Ababil Char adjacent to Haimchar and the passengers were disembarked. 

Additional District Magistrate of Bhola. Alamgir Hossain said that after learning about the incident, the administration informed the Coast Guard about the matter. A Coast Guard team from Chandpur is working on the spot. However, he could not say about the certain reason of fire.