JHALOKATHI: At least eight people were killed and dozens others injured as a passenger bus plunged into roadside ditch in Bishwasbari area under Rajapur upazila of the district on Tuesday afternoon.

Of the deceased, four were identified as Shaon Hossain, 35, and his wife Kulsum Begum, 28, Abul Kalam and Mukul Chandra Singh.

Witnesses said a Barisal-bound passenger bus of Rupom Paribahan plunged into a roadside ditch beside Barisal-Khulna highway after its driver lost control over steering in the area around 3:45, leaving the casualties.

The law enforcers, members of fire service along with locals conducted the rescue operation.

However, the injured were rushed to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Rajapur Upazila Health Complex and other local clinics.

Rajapur Thana Officer-in-Charge Masuduzzaman confirmed the death of eight people.

BDST: 2105 HRS, DEC 24, 2014