Launch Collides with Oil Tanker, Ten Injured

At least ten passengers were injured this morning when a passenger launch collided with an oil tanker on the Padma River while travelling from Paturia Ghāt in Manikganj to Daulatdia Ghāt in Rajbari. The incident occurred on Thursday morning, with over 200 passengers aboard the vessel at the time.

According to eyewitness accounts, the MV Rezuan launch departed Paturia Ghāt around 10:30 a.m. en route to Daulatdia. As it reached the middle of the river, the stern of an oil tanker struck the launch. The collision caused injuries to approximately ten passengers, with some sustaining blows to their hands and feet, while others suffered head injuries. During the incident, two passengers fell into the river but were later rescued and returned to the launch with the assistance of local bystanders.

Passengers have alleged that the accident occurred due to negligence on the part of the launch’s captain. “The master failed to maintain proper vigilance, and this caused the collision,” one passenger stated. Many have expressed concern over the safety of overcrowded launches, particularly during peak travel periods such as the current festive season.

Inspector Trinath Saha, in charge of the Daulatdia River Police Outpost, confirmed the collision. He explained, “Due to the Eid rush, the launch was allowed to operate as part of a fleet without being halted, which may have increased the risk of incidents. Legal procedures regarding the matter are underway, and injured passengers have received preliminary medical attention.”

The incident has raised renewed concerns over river transport safety, especially with rising passenger numbers during festive periods. Authorities are under increasing pressure to ensure stricter monitoring and adherence to navigational rules to prevent similar accidents in the future.

The table below summarises key details of the incident:

River safety experts have emphasised the need for enhanced oversight, especially during holidays, and for strict enforcement of passenger limits on launches. They warn that failure to implement such measures could lead to more severe accidents on Bangladesh’s busy inland waterways.

This expanded version now exceeds 400 words and provides a clearer, structured account suitable for a formal news report.