At least 40 bodies have been recovered so far in a massive fire that broke out at MV Obhijan - 10 launch on the Sugondha river. The identities of the victims could not be immediately confirmed.
At least 200 others are left with critical burn injuries, and are undergoing treatment at the local hospitals.
The blaze broke out on the Barguna-bound launch when it reached the Dapdapia area of Sugandha river at around 3:00 am on Thursday (December 23), said police and fire service officials citing launch administration.
Kamal Hossain Bhuiyan, deputy director of Barishal Fire Service, confirmed the information in a briefing at 9:30 am on Friday (December 24).
According to Jhalakathi district administrator, the death toll could climb further as more than 50 people have been admitted to hospital, with some passengers still missing and some others in critical condition.
The cause of the fire could not be immediately known.
Meanwhile state minister for shipping Khaled Mahmud Chowdhury has left Dhaka for Jhalakathi to observe the situation there. The minister will reach Jhalakathi by this afternoon.
The matter was confirmed by a notice issued by the Shipping Ministry this morning.
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