In Bangladesh, at least 18 people have been confirmed dead after a passenger bus carrying dozens plunged into the Padma River at the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari district, in a tragic accident that has triggered a large-scale rescue operation. The incident occurred around 5:15 pm on Wednesday at Daulatdia Ghat No. 3 in Goalanda Upazila when the bus, bound for Dhaka, lost control while attempting to board a ferry and fell off a pontoon into the river. Officials said the vehicle sank nearly 30 feet underwater.
Rescuers later retrieved the submerged bus using the vessel Hamza and recovered 18 bodies between late night and early morning hours. The deceased include several women and children.
According to officials, around 40 to 50 passengers were on board the overcrowded bus, which had departed from Kumarkhali in Kushtia earlier in the day. A few passengers managed to swim to safety, while three injured survivors were rescued and are undergoing treatment. Authorities said the accident was likely triggered when a ferry struck the pontoon where the bus was waiting, causing it to plunge into the river.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with divers from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, river police, and local authorities. Additional teams were deployed from Dhaka to assist in the search for missing passengers. The tragedy has raised serious concerns over safety measures at the busy Daulatdia-Paturia ferry route, a key transport link in the country. Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities continue to search for more victims.