3 killed as trawler sandwiched by launches in city

At least three passengers were killed after a trawler carrying them and others was sandwiched between two launches at the Sadarghat terminal on Wednesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through homebound Eid travellers.

According to eyewitnesses, the trawler, Ashajawa 5, was ferrying passengers when it was suddenly struck from behind by the launch Zakir Samrat 3. 

Three people died on the spot, while two others were injured, including a 20-year-old pregnant woman, Reshma Akhter, a resident of Shashipur in Barisal. 

The identity of the second injured person has not yet been confirmed. Two passengers remain missing, and rescue operations are ongoing, led by police and the Fire Service.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as passengers tried to board Asa Joa 5 from a smaller boat. The vessel reportedly lost control after the impact, causing several passengers to fall into the river. Fire Service diving teams continue searching for the missing individuals, while the injured have been admitted to a local hospital for treatment.