The boat that capsized in the northern district of Panchagarh, killing 24 people, was carrying double passenger than its capacity, according to district administration.
The capacity of the trawler was 35-40 passengers, but it was carrying more than 70-80 passengers. The boat was overcrowded and that caused the accident, according to the administration.
Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Jahirul Islam said the boat was carrying double passengers. It would not be possible to say about the number of deaths before the end of the rescue drive of the fire service, reports Bangla Tribune.
At least 30 people still missing after a boat capsized in the northern district of Panchagarh.
The incident was reported from the Aowlia Ghat in Boda Upazila’s Marea union on Sunday afternoon.
Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Jahirul Islam confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune.
He said that the number of deceased is likely to increase.
Of the 24 victims, 22 belonged to the Hindu Community.
Among the victim passengers, there were 12 women, eight children and four men, said Md Boda UNO Md Solaiman Ali.
Among them, seventeen people died on the spot and seven others died in upazila health complex.
Abu Ansar Md Rezaul Karim, chairman of Mareya Bamonhat union parishad, said that the engine-run boat sank in the middle of the Karatoya river while heading towards Badheshwar temple on the occasion of Mayalaya from Aulia ghat.
Several passengers managed to swim ashore.
Besides, local people rescued 10 passengers. Being rescued, they were rushed to the upazila health complex where seven people died, said ASM Rajiul Karim Raju, Boda upazila health and family planning officer.
Rest injured passengers are undergoing treatment, he said.
The UP chairman said that he has talked to several boatmen. They have claimed that there was huge pressure in the ghat for Mayalaya and most of the boat was carrying overloaded passengers.
Three eyewitnesses of the incident --Nazrul Islam, Saiful Islam and Dhanesh Chandra-- said that there was a crowd of people at the ghat since morning. Smaller boats were carrying extra passengers than to capacity. There were more than 80 passengers onboard in the boat which capsized in the river.
A control room has been opened on behalf of upazila administration. A list of 16 missing passengers has been made, said the UNO.
Besides, a rescue drive is also underway. After getting the list of all, it can be confirmed about actual missing people, he further said.
The UNO also added that the process of identifying the body is underway. The district administration will distribute Tk20,000 to the families of the deceased immediately.
The injured people also will be given Tk10,000 each.
Additional Superintendent of Police SM Shafiqul Islam said, "The police and fire service members are continuing the rescue work in the incident spot. The number of casualties may increase. Drive is also underway to rescue the missing passengers.
