At least 10 individuals, including women and children, were injured after two passenger launches collided while trying to berth at Chandpur launch terminal during a sudden nor’wester on Monday afternoon.
The storm also damaged several launches, pontoons and a jetty at the terminal, while thousands of passengers remained stranded at the ghat and onboard vessels for several hours amid the adverse weather.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around 2:30 PM when a sudden Kalbaishakhi storm swept across the Chandpur river terminal area, creating panic among passengers.
Amid strong winds and rough river conditions, Dhaka-bound passenger launches faced difficulties approaching the terminal. At one stage, passengers aboard the launch Eagle-7 were preparing to disembark when another passenger launch, Moyur-2, reportedly lost control and rammed into Eagle-7.
The impact caused Eagle-7 to tilt, triggering panic among passengers. Many tried to get off the launch hurriedly, leaving behind bags and belongings, which led to a stampede-like situation.
Several injured passengers were rescued and admitted to Chandpur General Hospital for treatment.
Launch Owners’ Association representative Biplob Sarkar said the collision created severe panic among passengers as the launch tilted dangerously after being hit.
Following the incident, members of river police, Coast Guard, Fire Service and Scouts launched rescue and safety operations at the terminal area.
Chandpur river police sub-inspector (SI) Billal Azad said passengers became frightened due to the sudden storm and law enforcement personnel quickly evacuated them to safer places.
“Some passengers were injured while getting off the launch, but no major casualty occurred. The situation is now under control,” he said.
BIWTA Deputy Director Mohammad Kamruzzaman said two launches were damaged in the incident, while one jetty and three pontoons at the terminal also sustained damage.
He said launch movement remained temporarily disrupted due to the rough weather, but services resumed after the situation returned to normal.
