Ferry hits Padma Bridge pillar, 20 hurt

BSS, UNB . Munshiganj

At least 20 people were injured as a Ro-Ro ferry hit a pillar of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge over the river Padma in Munshiganj on Friday.

The accident occurred when Ro-Ro ferry MV Shahjalal hit pillar 17 of Padma bridge when it was heading towards Shimulia ferry terminal from Bangla Bazar in Madaripur around 9:00am.

Though the front part of the vessel has been mangled, there was no structural damage to the bridge, the officials said, adding that all the injured people were admitted to nearby hospitals.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation assistant general manager Shafiqul Islam said that the passengers fell over each other as the ferry hit the pillar.

“Some 33 vehicles that the ferry was carrying also sustained minor damages in the impact of the crash, which completely destroyed the pantry area of the vessel,” he said.

Master of the ferry, Abdur Rahman said the steering wheel got dislocated as the vessel’s electrical circuit broke down suddenly and strong river current triggered the crash.

The bridge authority has expressed concern as three ferries have collided with the pillars this month only.

Hours after the accident, BIWTC suspended its in-charge Inland Master Officer Abdur Rahman as he failed to properly operate MV Shahjalal.

The BIWTC also formed a four-member committee to investigate into the accident and it was asked to submit report in three days.

BIWTC Director (commercial) SM Ashikuzzaman is heading committee and other members are BIWTA director M Shahjahan, BIWTC assistant general manager Ahmed Ali, and BIWTC assistant general manager Rubeluzzaman.