7 of a family killed as microbus plunges into canal

Seven members of a family, including women and children, were killed and several others seriously injured when a microbus lost control and plunged into a canal in Begumganj upazila of Noakhali early Wednesday.

The accident occurred around 5:30 am in front of the house of Union Parishad Chairman Abul Khayer, in the Jagadishpur area of Layarpar Union under Chandraganj Purbabazar in the upazila.

The deceased were identified as Foyzun Nesa, 80; Khurshida Begum, 55; Kabita Begum, 30; Laboni Begum, 30; Reshmi, 10; Mim, 2; and Lamia, 9.

All the victims were residents of Choupolli village in Hajirpara Union of Lakshmipur district. The family, reportedly relatives of expatriate Bahar Uddin from Oman, was returning home from the airport when the microbus veered off the road and plunged into the canal.

Confirming the incident to Jago News, Chandraganj Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mobarak Hossain Bhuiyan said the bodies of three children and four women were recovered from the scene. There were 12 people in the vehicle, including the driver. Although the driver fled, the remaining passengers were rescued and taken to hospital.

He added that all the victims were either members of Bahar Uddin’s immediate family or in-laws. Bahar Uddin himself survived the crash. The victims' bodies were taken to different hospitals by their relatives. Among the deceased were Bahar’s wife Kabita and daughter Mim. The microbus has been recovered, and preparations are underway to file a case with Begumganj Model Police Station.

Local residents said the microbus lost control and fell into the canal along the Begumganj–Lakshmipur highway around 5:30 am. By the time locals arrived, seven passengers had already drowned. It is suspected that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

Dr Md Monir Hossain of Begumganj Upazila Health Complex told Jago News that two bodies were brought to the hospital, and they appeared to have died on the spot.

Begumganj Model Police Station OC Liton Dewan said that upon receiving the news, police and fire service personnel conducted rescue operations. Seven bodies and the sunken microbus were recovered. Legal action will be taken upon receiving a complaint from Chandraganj Highway Police Station.