A passenger-laden bus fell into a pond in Jhalokati's Chhatrakanda this morning, killing at least 17 and injuring more than 20.
Among the deceased, seven are women, five are men and two are children. Five of the deceased were identified as Sumaiya, 5, Samad Molla, 60, Tarik, 55, Shahin Molla, 33 and Abdullah, 7, while the identities of the others could not be known immediately.
"The Barishal-bound bus from Bhandaria in Pirojpur district fell into a pond as its driver lost control over steering near the Union Parishad office," said Sub-inspector of Sadar Police Station Shakhawat Hossain.
The injured have been taken to Jhalokati Sadar Hospital. The bus was carrying at least 50 passengers.
"We received the phone call about the accident at 9:52am. The rescue operation is still ongoing," Jhalokati Fire Service Duty Officer Azad told The Business Standard.
Following the accident, vehicular movement on the Khulna-Jhalokati highway is currently on halt.
