BSS-67 32 bodies recovered after launch capsizes in Buriganga

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BSS-67

BURIGANGA-LAUNCH-CAPSIZE-LEAD

32 bodies recovered after launch capsizes in Buriganga

DHAKA, June 29, 2020 (BSS) – A total of 32 bodies were so far retrieved after a launch capsized in the capital’s Buriganga River today.

The Fire Service and Civil Defence personnel have so far recovered 32 bodies, including three children, seven women and 22 men, following a launch named ‘Morning Bird’ carrying about 50 passengers sank in the Buriganga River, fire service sources said.

The bodies were sent to Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital morgue from where the bodies will be handed over to the relatives of the victims.

According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence officials, the rescue operation, however, was continuing till filing the report at 8:30pm.

Duty officer at the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters Rozina Akhter said that the accident took place at Farashganj-Shyambazar launch ghat around 9:30 am today.

The passenger launch went under water near Cumilla dock area, she added.

After receiving the information, the members of the fire service rushed to the spot and started rescue operation.

Meanwhile, the government has formed a seven-member probe-body hours after the launch capsized in Buriganga River.

Joint Secretary (development) of the Shipping Ministry Md Rafiqul Islam Khan was made convener and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) director Md Rafiqul Islam member secretary.

The committee has been asked to submit a report to the ministry within next seven working days containing the reasons behind the accident, liable individuals or agencies and specific recommendations on what needs to do to avoid such incident in future.

BSS/CORR/SAH/RY/21:23hrs