3 killed as launch hits bridge

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 in Maijara area under Kuchaipotti union in Gosairhat upazila around 4am.  

The deceased were identified as Tanji Molla, 23, Shah Ali Molla of Kodalpur Sardar 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 the doctor declared Shakil and Sagar Ali dead.

Obaidul Haque, Officer-in-Charge of Gosairhat police station, said three people were killed and two others injured as the lunch hit a pillar of the bridge.

UNO Kafi Bin Kabir said, “I was informed about the matter. Necessary steps will be taken in this regard.