17 killed in Jhalokathi as bus falls into pond

At least 17 people died and around 25 were injured when a passenger bus lost control and fell into a pond in the Chatrakanda area of Jhalokathi on Saturday.

This incident happened at around 10am. The Barishal-bound bus from Bhandaria of Pirojpur was carrying more passengers than its capacity, both inside the bus and on the roof.  

Jhalokathi Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) member Mamun confirmed that 17 bodies were recovered so far.

Bodies of the deceased were taken to Jhalokathi District Hospital. The injured are also receiving treatment in the same hospital. Rescue operation by the police and FSCD was ongoing till the filing of this report at 12:30pm.

Jhalokathi District Hospital Medical Officer Dr Din Mohammad said 12 doctors were offering treatment to the injured people at present.

Jhalokathi Sadar Police Station Second Officer Gautam Ghosh said lists of the deceased and the injured were being made.

One of the injured passengers, Azad Hossain, told the Daily Samakal that more than a hundred passengers were standing inside the bus.

Another passenger, Piara Begum, said she was taking her daughter Suimaia, 6, to Barishal for treatment. After the accident, she was able to escape the upturned bus. However, Piara found that her daughter was dead when she retrieved the body.

/KN/