Teen’s Foot Nearly Severed in Ferry Accident

A 12-year-old boy has suffered a severe leg injury after his foot became trapped between a ferry and a pontoon at a river terminal in Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali district, leaving his right foot almost severed.

The incident occurred on Saturday (28 March) at around 5:00 pm at the Nuranipur launch ghat, a busy river port where passenger vessels routinely dock and disembark travellers. The injured boy, identified as Abdur Rahman Gazi, is the son of Md Rasel Gazi from Indrokul village in the same upazila.

He was initially taken to Bauphal Upazila Health Complex in critical condition before being referred to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital due to the seriousness of his injuries.

How the incident unfolded

Eyewitnesses said Abdur Rahman was at the pontoon with family members, preparing to travel to Dhaka by launch. 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 docking.

As passengers crowded the pontoon to board and disembark, the boy attempted to step onto the vessel. In the ensuing rush and lack of controlled boarding, the launch reportedly moved closer to the pontoon during docking.

It was at this moment that his right foot became trapped between the narrowing gap of the vessel and the pontoon. The force of the impact caused severe tissue damage, with witnesses describing the foot as being nearly torn apart.

Panic quickly spread among bystanders, who rushed to pull the injured boy to safety before transporting him to the nearest medical facility.

Medical condition critical

Doctors at Bauphal Upazila Health Complex provided emergency first aid but confirmed that the severity of the injury required specialist surgical intervention.

The Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, Dr Md Abdur Rauf, described the condition as highly 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 said.

Authorities launch inquiry

Kalaiya Bandar Naval Police Outpost Inspector Al Mamun confirmed that they had been informed of the incident and an investigation would be carried out.

“Necessary legal steps will be taken after a proper inquiry into the matter,” he stated.

Safety concerns at river terminals

The incident has once again raised concerns about safety standards at busy river terminals, where large numbers of passengers often board and disembark vessels in highly congested conditions.

Locals alleged that the lack of proper crowd management, inadequate safety barriers, and insufficient supervision at the ghat contributed significantly to the accident.

They further noted that during peak travel times, launches often dock amid heavy passenger pressure, increasing the risk of such incidents.

Key details of the incident

Residents have urged the authorities to strengthen safety protocols at river ports, including regulated boarding procedures, improved docking systems, and stricter enforcement of passenger control measures, to prevent further tragedies of this nature.