Boy’s Foot Nearly Severed in Ferry Tragedy

A 12-year-old boy has sustained life-threatening injuries after his foot became trapped between a ferry and a pontoon at a busy river terminal in Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali district, leaving his right foot almost completely severed.

The incident took place on Saturday (28 March) at around 5:00 pm at Nuranipur launch ghat, a frequently used river port where passenger launches dock to allow travellers to board and disembark. The victim has been identified as Abdur Rahman Gazi, son of Md Rasel Gazi from Indrokul village in the same upazila.

He was first rushed to Bauphal Upazila Health Complex in a critical condition. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later referred to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

Sequence of events

According to eyewitness accounts, Abdur Rahman was standing on the pontoon with family members, preparing to travel to Dhaka by launch. Earlier that afternoon, at around 4:00 pm, the Dhaka-bound vessel MV Bondhon-5, which had departed from Kalaiya launch terminal, arrived at Nuranipur ghat and began the docking process.

As is common at busy river terminals, a large crowd gathered on the pontoon, with passengers rushing to board and disembark simultaneously. In the confusion, the boy attempted to step onto the vessel.

During the docking process, the launch reportedly shifted closer to the pontoon, narrowing the gap between the vessel and the platform. It was at this moment that the boy’s right foot became trapped between the ferry and the pontoon structure.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the impact caused severe crushing injuries, with the foot sustaining extensive tissue damage and being nearly torn apart.

Panic spread instantly among passengers and bystanders, who rushed forward to pull the injured child free before transporting him to medical care.

Critical medical condition

Doctors at Bauphal Upazila Health Complex provided emergency first aid but confirmed that the injury was too severe for local treatment.

Dr Md Abdur Rauf, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, said the child’s condition was extremely critical.

“The boy’s right foot is in a very serious condition. Without advanced treatment, recovery is not possible. He has been referred to Barishal immediately,” he stated.

Medical officials emphasised that urgent specialist surgical intervention was required to attempt to save the limb and prevent further complications.

Police investigation underway

Kalaiya Bandar Naval Police Outpost Inspector Al Mamun confirmed that authorities had been informed of the incident. He said that an official inquiry would be conducted to determine the circumstances leading to the accident.

“Necessary legal steps will be taken after a proper investigation,” he said.

Concerns over river safety standards

The incident has reignited concerns over safety conditions at river terminals across the region, where large passenger volumes and inadequate crowd control often create hazardous boarding environments.

Locals have alleged that the absence of proper safety barriers, insufficient supervision, and poor passenger management at Nuranipur ghat contributed to the tragedy.

They further pointed out that during peak hours, vessels often dock while crowds are already positioned on the pontoon, increasing the risk of accidents during boarding and docking manoeuvres.

Reported details of the incident

Residents have called for immediate reforms, including stricter boarding protocols, improved docking infrastructure, and stronger enforcement of safety regulations at river ports, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.