Three people were killed and two others injured when a launch hit a pillar of Shaikkha Bridge in Shariatpur early Sunday.
The incident took place in the tributary river of Meghna at Maijara area under Kuchaipotti union in Gosairhat upazila around 4:30am.
The deceased were identified as Tanji, 23, Shah Ali Molla of Kodalpur Sarder Para area in Gosairpur upazila, Shakil Ahmed, 25, son of Nazim Uddin of Dainabil area in Tangail and Sagar Ali, 23, son of Borhan Ali of Jamalpur.
The injured are Hira, 23 and Sagar Raree. Hira was admitted to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital while Rira was sent to the upazila health complex.
Some passengers of the lunch said Gosairhatpotti-bound lunch named Swarnadeep Plus hit the pillar of Shaikkha Bridge. Later, an iron water tank of the lunch fell on the second floor from the roof. At that time, Tanji died on the spot and four others were injured. The injured were taken to Gosairhat Upazila Health Complex where doctor declared Shakil and Sagar Ali dead.
Md Matiur Rahman, Sub Inspector of Gosairhat Police Station, said three people were killed and two others injured as the lunch hit a pillar of the bridge. After the incident, launch passengers tried to beat the lunch driver and his helper. Being informed, we rescued them from the spot and took them to the police station.
Kafi Bin Kabir, Gosairhat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), said I was informed about the matter. Necessary step will be taken in this regard.