Injured survivors of the Barisal-bound bus that plunged into a roadside pond in Jhalakathi Sadar on Saturday, claiming 17 lives and leaving dozens injured, recounted tales of severe overcrowding and apparent negligent driving behind the crash.
Russell Molla, an injured passenger, said that the 40-seater bus left Bhandaria for Barisal at 8:45am, quickly accumulating almost double its capacity with approximately 70 passengers, some even occupying the roof.
“The bus was travelling at high speed through the Chhatrakanda Dhansiri union parishad area of Jhalakathi when the driver, Mohan, lost control while engaged in conversation with the supervisor,” said Molla.
“The bus then fell into the pond on the left side of the road,” he added.
Dhansiri Union Parishad Chairman Abul Kalam Masum said: “We were in the union council office when we heard this sudden noise. Rushing out, we found the bus submerged in the pond.”
Masum, along with other council members and local residents, immediately started rescue efforts, pulling survivors from the wreckage before emergency services arrived.
Faisal Rahman Babu, a local union parishad member who was injured during the rescue efforts, echoed the same information, adding that the death toll increased due to the proximity of ponds or reservoirs along the road.
“The practice of excavating ponds near roads needs to be stopped,” he insisted.
Jhalakathi Bus Owners Association Joint General Secretary Nasir Uddin reported that following the accident, there was no trace of the bus driver or the supervisor.
However, the 17-year-old helper, Akash, was found, he added.
The tragic accident claimed at least 17 lives, including three children, nine women, and six men.