Dhaka, Bangladesh – Bangladesh awoke to a tragic accident on Wednesday in which at least 24 people lost their lives. A passenger bus carrying approximately 40 people plunged into the Padma River while attempting to board a ferry. The accident occurred in the Daulatdia area of Rajbari district, about 100 kilometers from the capital, Dhaka. According to local police, fire department, and civil defense reports, the driver lost control of the bus as it approached the ferry dock. As a result, the bus veered suddenly and plunged into the river. The tragedy didn’t end there; the bus overturned and sank rapidly, coming to rest at a depth of approximately nine meters. This trapped the passengers inside, severely limiting their chances of survival.
In detailing the rescue operations, a fire service official stated that rescue teams and divers worked tirelessly to reach the wreckage at the bottom of the river. The teams have so far recovered 22 bodies from inside the submerged bus. The official revealed the breakdown of the victims found inside: six men, 11 women, and five children. Health and security authorities confirmed that the death toll has risen to 24. Two women died in the hospital shortly after being rescued and taken for emergency treatment due to severe injuries and near-drowning.
River transport accidents are common in Bangladesh, a country crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers. Such disasters are often attributed to poorly maintained vehicles, overcrowding, or inadequate safety standards at crossings. Search and investigation operations are ongoing to ensure no other people are missing in the vicinity of the accident site. This comes amidst deep sorrow among the victims’ families and the affected community.
