Bus Plunges Into River in Bangladesh, 24 People Killed During Ferry Boarding

DHAKA, March 26 — At least 24 people were killed after a passenger bus carrying dozens of people plunged into the Padma River in central Bangladesh while attempting to board a ferry, authorities said.

The accident occurred at the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari district, roughly 100 kilometres from the capital Dhaka. Reports said the bus lost control as it approached the ferry ramp and suddenly slid off the edge before falling into the river.

Officials said the bus was carrying around 40 passengers at the time of the incident. The vehicle overturned and sank nearly 30 feet into the river shortly after falling from the ferry terminal area, trapping several passengers inside.

Emergency response teams immediately launched a rescue operation involving firefighters, navy divers, police, and local authorities. Four fire service units and at least 10 divers were deployed to recover victims from the submerged bus as rescuers battled strong currents and challenging conditions in the river.

Rescue teams managed to retrieve 22 bodies from inside the sunken bus, including six men, 11 women, and five children. Two additional women who had been rescued alive later died from their injuries, bringing the confirmed death toll to 24.

Several passengers managed to escape by swimming to safety after the crash, while others were believed to have been trapped inside the vehicle as it quickly sank beneath the water. Authorities said rescue operations continued overnight to search for any additional victims or survivors.

The bus was reportedly traveling from the southwestern district of Kushtia to Dhaka, with many passengers believed to be returning to the capital after the Eid holiday period. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as passengers struggled to escape from the vehicle while it slipped into the river.

Transport accidents remain a recurring issue in Bangladesh due to heavy traffic, aging infrastructure, and safety challenges in both road and river transportation systems. Experts note that accidents involving ferries and vehicles at river crossings are not uncommon, especially in busy terminals like Daulatdia, one of the country’s main river transport hubs.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident, including whether driver error, mechanical failure, or terminal safety conditions may have contributed to the tragedy.

The incident has triggered nationwide mourning, with families gathering at local hospitals and morgues to identify victims as rescue teams continue recovery operations in the river.