2 dead, 7 missing in Sirajganj boat accident

Two women died and seven went missing Thursday as an overloaded boat sank few yards away from the embankment on the River Jamuna in Sirajganj’s Chauhali, reports UNB.

The deceased were identified as Jhilimin Begum,60, from Jamalpur and Ful Begum,50, from Dewanganj, said Anisur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Enayetpur Police Station.

The accident occurred when the boat, carrying around 80 passengers, was heading towards Enayetpur’s Darbar Sharif from Jamalpur.

As the engine-driven boat tilted near Enayetpur after getting caught in strong currents and high tides, around 15 passengers fell into the river, and only some of them managed to swim ashore.

“Two bodies were recovered from the river and kept at Darbar Sharif. Mohammad Lalan, who got injured in the accident, is now undergoing treatment at Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College and Hospital,” Anisur said.

Belkuchi Fire Service Station has continued the rescue operation, and divers from Rajshahi will join them, the OC added.