Bus returning from long march crashes into pond at Patkelghata in Satkhira, pedestrian killed and at least 55 injured
A bus returning from a long march programme lost control and fell into a pond near Patkelghata Bazar Mor in Satkhira on Saturday night (31 October). A pedestrian was killed in the accident and at least 55 people were injured.
Local sources and police said the bus (Sylhet-Ja 11-0690) was returning towards Satkhira after the Khulna long march programme of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance. As it crossed Patkelghata Bazar Mor, a mentally unstable man suddenly came onto the road.
The driver tried to save the man, lost control of the bus, and it fell into a pond beside the road. The pedestrian died on the spot under the bus.
The deceased was identified as Abdul Khaleque. His home is in Kashiadinga village under Patkelghata thana.
Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, activists and supporters travelling on the bus were injured. Most of the injured are from the Ghona area of Satkhira, it was learned.
On receiving the news, the Fire Service, police and local people rescued the injured and admitted them to Satkhira Sadar Hospital and various local hospitals.
Hearing of the accident, Satkhira-1 (Tala-Kalaroa) MP Principal Md Izzat Ullah, Satkhira-2 (Sadar-Debhata) MP Muhaddis Abdul Khaleque and Satkhira district Jamaat Amir Principal Shahidul Islam Mukul, along with other district and local Jamaat leaders, quickly reached the spot. They supervised the rescue work and inquired about the treatment of the injured.
MP Muhaddis Abdul Khaleque said the bus was carrying an estimated 51 to 62 long march participants. All the injured were quickly sent to hospital. However, whether anyone else remains trapped under the bus will only be confirmed once the bus is lifted out of the pond.
Work to recover the crashed bus is continuing. District and local Jamaat leaders are providing full assistance to ensure treatment for the injured, it was learned.
