UCA News
Contribute

Crash kills 44 children

Victims, mostly aged 12-18, died when truck overturned into a ditch
Crash kills 44 children
Published: July 12, 2011 08:08 AM GMT
Updated: July 12, 2011 08:08 AM GMT

A nation was in mourning today after a truck full of schoolchildren returning from a football match crashed into a flooded roadside ditch yesterday killing at least 44.

The tragedy, which also left 12 survivors in critical condition, occurred in Mirsarai sub-district of southeastern Chittagong. Local residents said about 60-70 students mostly aged 12-18 were packed in the back of the truck.

Today, thousands of people attended a mass funeral for 38 of the students in the grounds of a local high school as the tragic news sent shock waves across the country.

Local media reported that the driver, who later fled the scene, was talking on a mobile phone when the accident happened.

Church leaders led prayers for the dead and offered condolences to the bereaved families.

“It’s a heart-breaking accident. It happened because of a man’s negligence,” said coadjutor Holy Cross Archbishop Patrick D’Rozario of Dhaka.

“Authorities should do more to prevent further tragedies like this taking place,” the former prelate of Chittagong diocese added.

Caritas Chittagong regional director James Gomes said the emergency services called to the scene lacked necessary equipment that could have saved more lives.

“The families have our full sympathy and we’re sending a team today to see if Caritas can do something to help them,” he said.

Bangladesh Christian Association secretary Nirmol Rozario questioned why so many children were on the truck.

“There are several parties who should be taking the blame for this painful accident: the school administration, the driver, local authorities and law enforcement. All those students should never have been in that truck.”

“Rozario added his organization will issue a statement today demanding proper compensation for the dead children's families and call for measures to prevent further tragedies.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia