Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
Three students of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) were killed, and at least 10 others injured, when their picnic bus came into contact with a high-voltage electric line in Sreepur, Gazipur, on Saturday morning.
The incident occurred around 8:30am in front of a local china factory in Udaikhali village under Telihati union. Sreepur police rushed to the scene after being informed.
The deceased students were identified as Shakib, Mahin, and Mozammel, all third-year students of IUT. The identities of the injured were not immediately available.
According to locals, 460 third-year students of IUT, located in Gazipur’s Board Bazar area, were traveling to Mati Maya Resort for a picnic in six BRTC double-decker buses and three microbuses.
When one of the buses reached Udaikhali village, it came into contact with an 11,000-volt power line running across the road.
Witnesses said the bus became electrified when it tilted slightly while giving way to another vehicle. Two students were electrocuted on the spot, while another died trying to get off the bus.
“A cloud of smoke emerged from the bus, and students started screaming for help,” said Shamim Ahmed, a witness. “We rushed to the spot and used dry bamboo sticks to rescue the students. Three were already dead by then. We immediately called the electricity office to cut off the power supply to prevent further casualties.”
Several students suffered burns on different parts of their bodies, including their hands, legs, and faces.
Khandakar Mahmudul Hasan, deputy general manager of Mymensingh Palli Bidyut Samity, confirmed the bus had come into contact with an 11,000-volt line.
He added: “The accident happened as the double-decker bus tilted slightly while giving way to another vehicle.”
Sreepur police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zainal Abedin Mandal said: “We have confirmed the deaths of three students due to electrocution. The injured are receiving treatment.”
The incident has cast a pall of grief over the IUT campus and the families of the victims.
