The dead are identified as Abdul Jabbar, 65, of village Bamarchar, Titu Mia, 30, of village Singda and Gian Paul, 45, of village Gaglajur under Mohonganj upazila.

The seriously injured Aisha Akter, 45, Haradhon, 35, and Liash Mia, 20, were sent to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital in a critical condition. Others injured were admitted to Mohonganj upazila Health Complex.

Police and witnesses said the head-on collision occurred between a Mohonganj bound sand loaded engine boat and a Gaglajur bound passenger engine boat at Bamarchar and the passenger boat sank in the river leaving three people dead.

On information, local people rushed to spot and recovered the three bodies from the river.