40 killed as launch catches fire in Jhalakathi

At least 40 people were killed and a number of others injured after a massive fire broke out in a launch in the Sugandha river in Jhalakhathi district early Friday.

The additional superintendent of the district police, Prashanta Kumar De, confirmed the matter to Jago News this afternoon. 

The Barguna-bound launch, MV Abhijan-10, caught fire in Gabkhan Dhanshiri area of Jhalakathi around 3 am, Barishal fire service deputy director Kamal Hossain Bhuiyan said this morning. 

BSS adds: Rescue operation was being carried out till filling the report.

Deputy director of sire service Kamal Uddin said it was suspected that the fire originated from an engine room of the launch when passengers of its cabins were sleeping.

He said the launch was anchored at the riverbank in Diakul area of Sadar upazila and on information, the fire service personnel of Jhalakathi went to the spot and brought the fire under control after two-hour efforts.

The injured passengers were rescued and sent to Jhalakathi Sadar Hospital and Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal for treatment, police said.

District administration and police officials are assisting with the fire service in conducting rescue operation.

Police said the death toll may rise in the fire incident.