SUNAMGANJ: Eleven people, including five children, were killed and 16 are missing from the boat which caught fire on the Surma River, near Duarabazar upazila of the district on Monday night.

Sylhet fire service senior station officer and rescue operation’s team leader Jabed Hosain Mohammand Tariq shared details of the horrific tragedy with banglanews.

He said that five more burnt bodies were recovered between 7:45am and 9:15 am on Tuesday.

Among the victims, one was identified as Rokeya, 30, wife of Abul Hashem of Panchhat village of Khaliajuri upazila of Netrokona. The identity of others could not be established as they were burnt beyond recognition.

Witnesses said an engine-run boat with around 100 people was going to Itna upazila under Kishoreganj district from Companyganj upazila of the district at 8:30pm.

Suddenly the fire broke out in the boat`s kitchen and rapidly engulfed the vessel killing three, including a woman burnt alive and 40 others injured.

A large number of passengers managed to save their lives by jumping out of the burning boat.

Harun-ur-Rashid, Police Superintendent of the district, told banglanews that the death toll is likely to climb as many are still missing.

BDST: 0941 HRS, FEB 04, 2014