More than a thousand passengers narrowly escaped a major accident when the passenger launch Imam Hasan-5 collided with a stationary sand-laden bulkhead on the Meghna River at Mohonpur in Matlab Uttar upazila of Chandpur late Thursday night. The collision occurred amid dense fog that severely reduced visibility. Passengers panicked at the loud impact but quickly evacuated to nearby riverbanks for safety. Mohonpur River Police responded promptly, conducting rescue and relief operations at the site.
Eyewitnesses said the launch was moving slowly toward Chandpur due to the thick fog, and limited visibility made it difficult to determine the route, leading to the collision. After the impact, the vessel was anchored near the shore, and all passengers were disembarked safely. Sub-Inspector Abul Kalam of Mohonpur River Police confirmed that no casualties were reported. Passengers were later transported to their destinations by another launch, speedboats, and road transport.
Officials noted that heavy fog during winter nights has increased navigational risks on the Meghna River and urged vessel operators to exercise greater caution to prevent similar incidents.