LAKSHMIPUR, Sept 6, 2025 (BSS) - At least five people were killed and 20 others injured when a passenger bus plunged into a canal ('Khal') in Lakshmipur early today.

The deceased have been identified as Morshed Alam, 50, of Sheikhpur area, Chandraganj in Sadar Upazila, Joynal Abedin, 54, Humayun Rashid, 40, son of Afsar Uddin from Naogaon, Ripon Hossain, 35, of Noakhali, and Majed Hossain, 38, of Sadar Upazila.

The tragic accident occurred around 8:30 am in front of Chandraganj Kafiluddin Degree College, located in Sadar Upazila, local and police sources confirmed. 

The bus of Anand Paribahan, traveling from Noakhali Chowmuhani towards Lakshmipur, was carrying around 30 passengers when it lost control and fell into the canal.

Local police, Fire Service, Army personnel, and volunteers rushed to the scene and managed to rescue 20 passengers from the submerged vehicle. 

The bodies of three victims-Morshed, Joynal, and Humayun-were recovered from inside the bus. 

Ripon and Majed later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.

The injured are currently receiving treatment at Noakhali and Sadar hospitals, with five in critical condition.

Chandraganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC), Md Faizul Azim Noman, confirmed the incident and noted that efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of the remaining passengers and recover the vehicle. 

Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway, OC added.