Madaripur Correspondent:

At least 26 passengers were killed when a speedboat collided with a sand-laden bulkhead stalled on the Padma River at Shibchar in Madaripur. Six people have been rescued alive in the incident.

The accident took place on the Banglabazar- Shimulia route on Monday morning. However, the identities of the deceased were not immediately known.

Shyamal Biswas, in-charge of Shibchar Fire Service and Civil Defense, said a speedboat carrying passengers from Shimulia Ghat was heading towards Banglabazar. The speedboat hit the back of a bulkhead (sand-laden cargo) and overturned when it reached the c (old ferry terminal).

“So far 26 bodies have been recovered and six rescued alive in the incident,” OC Miraz Hossain also said, adding that the bodies have been kept in Old Kathalbari ghat. The injured were rushed to a local hospital.

However, it was not known how many passengers were in the boat. The rescue operation of the fire service and naval police is underway.

Meanwhile, a six-member investigation committee has been formed to probe into the incident.

The district administration has formed the committee headed by Azharul Islam, deputy director of the local government division.

At the same time, it has been directed to submit the report within the next 3 working days.

Besides, DC Dr. Rahima Khatun has announced to pay Tk 20,000 to each family of the deceased. “The medical expenses of the injured would be borne,” she said.

Earlier on Monday morning, 26 passengers were killed when a speedboat collided with a sand-loaded bulkhead at Banglabazar Ghat area. Many people are still missing in this accident. The naval police are conducting an operation to rescue them.

Ashikur Rahman, traffic inspector at Shibchar’s Banglabazar ferry terminal, said the speedboat, carrying 30-35 passengers, was coming towards the ghat in the early morning. When approaching the ghat, the speedboat capsized by hitting the anchored sand-laden bulkhead. Upon receiving the news, the fire service and naval police started the rescue operation.