DHAKA, May 3 (NNN-BSS) — At least 26 passengers of a speedboat were killed when it collided with a sand-laden bulkhead cargo boat in the Padma river of Madaripur district Monday morning.
Among the dead were three children and a woman, the Shibchar Fire Service and Civil Defense and River Police reported in the 7.30 am mishap.
Syamal Biswas, in-charge of Shibchar Fire Service and Civil Defence, said a total of 26 bodies have so far been recovered from the river while five others found alive during the rescue operation.
”The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately,” he added.
The bodies were kept at the Old Ferry Ghat while the injured were sent to the nearest local hospital, Syamal Biswas said.
Meanwhile, the search and rescue operation is still underway and more skilled divers of Barishal Fire Services are joining in the rescue drive.
The actual number of passengers who were on board of the speedboat could not be known immediately, he said. — NNN-AGENCIES