Two launches collide in Chandpur, 10 injured

Passengers on the Dhaka–Chandpur water route faced severe disruption after sudden storms and strong winds swept through the area. The rough weather damaged several anchored launches, pontoons, and jetties at Chandpur launch terminal. Amid the turbulent river conditions, a head-on collision between two passenger ferries left at least 10 people injured, including women and children.

Thousands of passengers were also stranded at the terminal and on vessels for several hours due to the storm. Following the incident, naval police, coast guards, fire service teams, and scouts quickly launched rescue and safety operations to bring the situation under control.
Eyewitnesses said the storm began suddenly on Monday afternoon, triggering panic at the launch terminal. Strong winds and rough waves made it extremely difficult for incoming vessels from Dhaka to dock safely. At the time, passengers on the moored vessel Eagle-7 were preparing to disembark when another passenger launch, Mayur-2, arriving from Dhaka, lost control in the strong winds and slammed directly into it.

The impact caused Eagle-7 to tilt sharply, creating panic among passengers. Many rushed to disembark in haste, leaving behind luggage and belongings. A stampede-like situation developed on the gangway, injuring at least 10 people. Locals rescued the injured and admitted them to Chandpur Government General Hospital.

Chandpur river police sub-inspector Billal Azad said passengers panicked heavily due to the sudden storm. After receiving reports, police quickly intervened and moved passengers to safety, preventing a larger tragedy. He added that although a few people were injured while rushing off the vessels, there were no major casualties.

He also said normal operations have now resumed at the terminal. “The overall situation at the jetty is now under control. Efforts are underway to recover and return passengers’ belongings,” he added.

Chandpureputy director Md. Kamruzzaman said operations were temporarily disrupted due to adverse weather conditions, and parts of the pontoon and jetty were damaged. For passenger safety, launch services were briefly suspended but later resumed as conditions improved. Work is also ongoing to return abandoned luggage to their rightful owners.