The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Mymensingh

Four persons were killed as an oil tanker skidded off the road while the under repair tanker slipped out of the screw jack near Seed Store under Bhaluka upazila in the district on Wednesday afternoon.

The dead were identified as Rafique, 28, son of Jobed Ali of Trishal, Arif, 20, son of Khelu Miah of Akua, Mymensingh, Sohel, 28, son of Nayeb Ali of Trishal and Golap, 26, son of Ahmad Ali of Trishal.

Police said a Mymensingh-bound oil tanker from Dhaka has gone out of order near Seed Store at Bhaluka yesterday afternoon. To repair the tanker local mechanics were called and they started working in the evening.

At one stage, the oil tanker slipped out of the screw jack on which the tanker was balanced and four persons including the helper of the tanker died on the spot as it fell on them.

Police and locals recovered the bodies and sent them to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for autopsy. A case was filed with Bhaluka Police Station in this connection.

Meanwhile, at least seven persons were killed and another two injured by lighting in the Southern Districts on Tuesday and Wednesday. Sources said Mohammad Mostafa, 15, son of Abul Kalam of Golaghat village under Bamna upazila of Barguna was killed by thunderbolt when he was playing in field on Wednesday.

Besides, Maina Akhter, 30, wife of Matin Hawlader of Kakchira village, Munira, 14, daughter of Ansar Khan of Gudighata village and Babu, 40, of Bamna village under Bamna of Barguna district were also killed by lighting on Wednesday when they were working in the field.

One Alfoo Begum, 20, and Kamal Hossain, 19, were also injured in the lightning. Two cows were also killed by the thunderbolt while grazing in the field.

On the other hand, Hanif Bux, 27, of Shialkathi village under Babuganj upazila was killed by lighting at 3.30 PM on Tuesday, the source added. One Khokon, 16, of Dakkhin Rawja village under Amtali upazila of Barguna district was killed by thunderbolt on Tuesday when he was working in the field.

Besides, another Rafiqul Islam, 45, of Uttar Sakuchia village under Monpura upazila of Bhola district was also killed by lightning on Tuesday evening.