BENAPOLE: The Namaz-e-Janaza of seven school kids, who died after a picnic bus plunge in Benapole, was held at Gazipur primary school ground under the upazila of Jessore on Sunday noon.

The deceased were identified as Suraiya Afrin, Zobaida, Akhi, Sabbir, Mithi Khatun, Shanto.

Witnesses said the students carrying picnic bus plunged into a roadside ditch as its driver lost control over steering in Jhautola area of the upazila around 8:30pm Saturday while returning from Mujibnagar of Meherpur district, leaving seven students dead on the spot.

Following the tragic accident, Benapole Municipal declared three days of mourning in the municipal.

Besides, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock at the deaths of seven children.

Confirming the matter, Sharsha Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) ATM Shariful Alam told banglanews, “The bodies were handed to the families.”

BDST: 1447 HRS, FEB 16, 2014