The deadly fire at MV Abhijan-10 launch which claimed 47 lives so far was originated from the engine room. The responsibility lies on the launch owner, driver, master and surveyor.
The information was revealed in an investigation report produced by Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Tuesday.
BIWTA probe committee coordinator and Shipping Ministry joint secretary Md. Tofayel Islam pressed the report to the ministry secretary on Monday night.
The report containing 25-point recommendations to prevent launch mishaps was submitted to the ministry earlier on Monday night.
Technical glitch was diagnosed on the day of incident while the Abhijan-10 crossed Chandpur terminal. The drivers should have docked the vessel in a nearby terminal as they failed to fix the fault. Many passengers requested to anchor the launch. However, the master and engine driver did not pay any heed to them, the report read.
The Barguna-bound MV Abhijan caught fire at Sugandha river of Jhalokathi on 23 December killing dozens of onboard passengers and leaving scores burn injured while many went missing.
