Eyewitnesses reported that the MV Rezoan launch departed Paturia Ghat around 10:30 a.m. heading towards Daulatdia Ghat. While navigating the midsection of the river, the launch struck the rear portion of an oil tanker. The collision resulted in injuries to approximately ten passengers, with some sustaining wounds to their arms and legs, while others suffered head injuries. Two passengers were briefly thrown into the river but were rescued and brought back on board with assistance from local bystanders.
Passengers alleged that the accident occurred due to negligence on the part of the launch master, citing insufficient attention to river traffic and safety protocols.
Police officials confirmed the incident. In a statement, Officer-in-Charge Trinath Saha of the Daulatdia River Police Outpost said, “During peak periods such as Eid, launches are often added to fleets without delay to accommodate increased passenger numbers. Legal proceedings are underway to investigate the matter and determine responsibility.”
Preliminary Details of Injured Passengers
| Passenger No. | Type of Injury | Affected Area | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minor contusion | Arm | Stable |
| 2 | Head injury | Head | Stable |
| 3 | Cut | Leg | Stable |
| 4 | Bruise | Arm | Stable |
| 5 | Minor contusion | Head | Stable |
| 6–10 | Various | Multiple areas | Stable |
River transport experts note that such collisions are often exacerbated by overcrowding and peak travel times during festivals like Eid. The addition of extra vessels to manage passenger surges can sometimes compromise safety if adequate precautions are not enforced.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of adhering to safe navigational distances between passenger launches and commercial vessels. Measures under consideration include stricter enforcement of river traffic regulations, enhanced training for launch operators, and increased surveillance along high-traffic river routes.
Following the collision, operations on the route were temporarily disrupted but have since resumed. Officials emphasise that maintaining rigorous safety standards is critical to preventing similar incidents and ensuring passenger confidence in river transport.
The incident highlights the urgent need for continuous monitoring and enforcement to mitigate risks on Bangladesh’s busy waterways, especially during festival seasons when passenger traffic peaks significantly.