Two launches collide near Chandpur on Meghna River in Bangladesh, killed 4

POBNEWS24, Dhaka Dec 26, 2025 : Due to dense fog, Dhaka-bound Zakir Samrat-3 launch collided with Adventure-9 launch in Meghna River in Chandpur, Bangladesh. So far, 4 people have been reported dead and eight injured. The accident occurred at around 2 am on Thursday between Haimchar Upazila and Harina area.
Naval Police Chandpur SP Syed Mushfiqur Rahman could not immediately identify the deceased.
Among the deceased are a woman, two men and a child. At least 8 passengers were seriously injured in the incident. Several more passengers are missing, said Chandpur BIWTA Deputy Director (Traffic) Babu Lal Vaidya.
According to eyewitnesses and passengers, due to dense fog, the Adventure-9 launch hit the MV Zakir Samrat-3 launch hard in the middle. The second floor of the Zakir Samrat-3 launch was the most damaged.
The deceased female passenger was tragically cut in two at the moment of the collision and died on the spot. The other two male passengers also died on the spot or with serious injuries.
Passengers said that many passengers were standing on the side of the launch. Due to the intensity of the collision, many passengers fell into the river. Some of them are still missing. It is feared that the number of casualties may increase as the rescue work is ongoing.
Eyewitnesses said that with the help of local fishermen and boat workers, the injured were rescued and sent to nearby hospitals and medical centers.
After the accident, the damaged Zakir Samrat-3 launch was floating in the middle of the river, when the Dhaka-bound MV Karnaphuli-9 launch from Bhola quickly arrived and rescued many passengers and left for Dhaka.
On the other hand, the damaged Zakir Samrat-3 launch with the bodies of the deceased and seriously injured passengers left for Chandpur for urgent treatment. It is feared that the death toll may rise as some of the injured are in critical condition.
Immediately after the incident, the concerned officials of the Naval Police and the administration reached the spot and started rescue and investigation activities. An investigation is underway to find out the exact cause of the accident.