A tragic accident in Bangladesh has claimed the lives of at least 24 people after a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred at the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari district, roughly 100 km from Dhaka, when the bus was trying to board a ferry.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the bus lost control near the ferry ramp, tipped over, and sank about 30 feet into the river. Many passengers were trapped inside, while others struggled to escape into the water. Some managed to swim to safety, while rescue teams pulled others from the river.
Authorities report that 22 bodies have been recovered from the submerged bus, and two more victims died after being rescued, bringing the confirmed death toll to 24. The bus was carrying around 40 people, including men, women, and children. Rescue efforts are continuing as officials search for anyone still missing, with divers and emergency teams combing the riverbed.
The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence, along with police, army units, coast guard personnel, and local volunteers, worked through the night to recover bodies and provide aid to survivors. Hospitals nearby were flooded with injured passengers and distraught relatives, many anxiously awaiting news about loved ones.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, exploring possibilities such as brake failure, driver error, or unsafe boarding conditions at the ferry terminal. River and road accidents are not uncommon in Bangladesh, where transport infrastructure and safety standards face ongoing challenges.
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