DHAKA, 5 April, 2021 (TON): A launch overturned following a collision with a cargo vessel in the Shitalakkhya river in Narayanganj, that killed at least five women.

Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Nahida Bari said, rescuers found the bodies of the women aged between 35 and 40 after the tragedy near Madanganj Ghat on Sunday.

Mobarak Hossain, a deputy director at Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority or BIWTA said that the launch Sabit Al Asad was packed with passengers beyond capacity and sank around 6pm.

Kabir Hossain, in charge of Muktarpur River Police Station, earlier said a storm disrupted the rescue operation.

Badiuzzaman Badal, a leader of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport and Passenger Association, said the launch was carrying 40-50 passengers.

Some of the rescued passengers were brought to Munshiganj General Hospital for treatment.

Relatives of the missing passengers gathered at Munshiganj Launch Pier and the banks of the river. However, the authorities could not immediately identify the victims.