3 IUT students die after picnic bus gets electrified in Gazipur

Three students of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) died by electrocution and around 60 were left injured after a bus taking them to a picnic came into contact with an overhead bare electric wire in Gazipur's Sreepur today (23 November) at 10:30am.

The deceased are - Mozammel Hossain Naim, 24, Mostakim Rahman Mahin, 22, and Jobayer Alam Sakib, 22.

All were rushed to the Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

All of the deceased were students of IUT's Mechanical Engineering department, confirmed Deputy Director of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital Jakiul Islam.

However, detailed information about them couldn't be known immediately.

"The three were brought dead to the hospital. We couldn't confirm the number of the injured. I'm going to the emergency department," Jakiul said.

According to sources, a total of 460 students of IUT's Mechanical Engineering department rented five double-decker buses and were on their way to Matir Maya Eco Resort in Uttar Pilaid village under Telihati union of Gazipur's Sreepur upazila.

Three IUT students died after a picnic bus carrying them got electrified in Gazipur on 23 November. Photo: TBS

The accident happened when one of the buses touched an electric wire of Palli Bidyut while going through a rural road at Udaikhali village, sources said.

Afsar Uddin, a local, said, "The fifth bus (Dhaka Metro B- 157038) touched an 11,000 volt electric wire when it was passing through Udaikhali Bazar area. Two students died on the spot, while others were burnt due to the electrocution."

Shamim Ahmed, another eyewitness, said, "The students started to scream when smoke started to come out from one of the buses due to the electrocution. Those in touch with the steel pole or seats were injured, while three died."

He said the two had to be separated using bamboo sticks, but they didn't survive.

Contacted, Deputy General Manager of Mymensingh Palli Bidyut Samity-2 Khondker Mahmdul Hasan said, "The electric wire had a voltage of 11,000 volt. The bus became electrified when it tried to let another bus overtake it and leaned too close to the wire."

Probe committee formed

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Gazipur Nafisa Arefin has formed a four-member committee to investigate the incident.

The committee is headed by Additional District Magistrate of gazipur Salma Akter. Other members of the committee are Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Sreepur Barrister Sajib Ahmed.

Among the members are a deputy general manager of Rural Electrification Board (REB). The identity of the other member could not be known.

Confirming the matter, Salma said they are going to the spot where the accident occurred.

IUT sources said the university's Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam has expressed grief and condolence at the incident.

The VC is currently heading toward Mymensingh from Dhaka to hear from the victims.