Launch collision on Meghna leaves one passenger dead, 15 injured

A collision between two launches on the Meghna River has left one passenger dead and 15 others injured.

The accident, involving Chandpur-bound MV Bogdadia-13 and Dhaka-bound MV Manik-4, took place near Charkishoreganj in Narayanganj's Sonargaon Upazila around 1 am on Saturday, said Md Mostafizur Rahman, inspector in-charge of Kolagachia river police outpost.

According to Mostafizur, a passenger of Manik-4 died when the vessel rammed into the middle of Bogdadia-13.

He was later identified as Md Humayun, 37, a native of Shariatpur.

Nine of the injured were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital or DMCH, among whom, seven have left after receiving first aid, said Inspector Bacchu Mia of DMCH police outpost.

Two other victims, 'Rozina', 30, and Sona Mia, 46, were taken to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation. 

The authorities are scanning the waters near the incident for survivors but they are yet to confirm whether any passenger fell overboard.

"The river was covered by dense fog in the morning. River police personnel began the search operation once it dissipated," said Inspector Mostafizur.

A team of divers from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority or BIWTA, fire service and Coast Guard has been sent to the scene of the collision to look for survivors, said BIWTA's Chairman Mahbub-ul-Alam.

Both launches have been seized, said Mahbub, adding that the authorities will investigate the incident and take measures accordingly.