At least 32 people died and over 200 people were injured in a massive fire incident, on the 24th of December, Friday.
In Bangladesh, a packed three storey ferry, Barguna bound MV Obhijan 10, caught fire. As of now, 32 were reported dead, 200 injured and more than 50 are missing. The concerned authority started the rescue operation and saved 10 lives so far. In addition, many passengers jumped into the river in a desperate bid to save themselves, as the fire raged for about three hours, reported local news.
According to the sources, the blaze broke out at around 3:00 A.M., on Friday, at the Dapdapia area on the Sugandha River in Jhalakathi.
A local police Moinul Islam said, “The three-storey Obhijan 10 caught fire mid-river. We have recovered 32 bodies. The death toll may rise. Most died from the fire and a few by drowning after they jumped into the river.” He further said, “We have sent some 100 people with burn injuries to the hospitals in Barishal.”
Kamal Hossain Bhuiyan, the Deputy Director of Barisal Fire Service, said that a total of 30 dead bodies were recovered and five units were working to rescue the fire victims, but operations are being hampered due to heavy fog.
Although the reason behind the massive fire is uncertain, the officials believe it was due to a short circuit in the engine room. On the other hand, many experts blamed authorities for poor management, safety measures and overcrowded ferry, a reason for the unfortunate incident.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Johar Ali, the District Commissioner (DC) of Jhalakathi said that the 70 rescued people have been sent to nearby hospitals.
The rescue operation and an investigation into the incident is underway.
Stay tuned for further updates.
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