At least 24 people killed as passenger bus plunges into Padma River in Bangladesh, rescue operations continue and several passengers still missing.
A tragic accident in Bangladesh has claimed the lives of at least 24 people after a passenger bus carrying around 40 individuals plunged into the Padma River in Rajbari district. The incident occurred near Daulatdia ferry point, approximately 100 kilometres from Dhaka, when the bus reportedly lost control while attempting to board a ferry.
Authorities confirmed that rescue operations were launched immediately, involving multiple agencies, including fire services, police, army personnel, and divers. The accident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety and transport conditions in the country.
Bus Falls Into River While Boarding Ferry
According to officials, the bus was waiting to board a ferry at the busy Daulatdia terminal when it suddenly toppled into the river. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle lost balance and fell from the edge into the water, sinking rapidly.
Emergency responders stated that the bus sank nearly nine metres deep, making rescue operations extremely challenging. Divers worked continuously to retrieve passengers trapped inside the submerged vehicle.
Out of the recovered victims, several were women and children, including at least five minors. Some passengers managed to escape by swimming to safety, while others remained trapped inside the bus.
Eyewitness accounts described scenes of panic and chaos, with people nearby rushing to help. Locals attempted to rescue passengers by throwing cloth and ropes into the water as survivors struggled to stay afloat.
Rescue Operations and Casualty Details
Rescue teams deployed multiple units and divers to search for survivors and recover bodies. Authorities confirmed that 22 bodies were initially recovered from the submerged bus, while two more victims died later after being rescued.
Officials fear that additional passengers may still be missing, and search operations are ongoing. The involvement of multiple agencies highlights the scale of the response effort.
Relatives of the victims gathered at nearby hospitals, where scenes of grief and distress unfolded. The tragedy has deeply affected the local community and raised questions about safety measures at ferry terminals.
Road Safety Concerns in Bangladesh
The accident has once again drawn attention to the broader issue of road and transport safety in Bangladesh. Fatal accidents involving buses and ferries are not uncommon, often attributed to poor infrastructure, vehicle conditions, and reckless driving.
Reports indicate that hundreds of people lose their lives each year in similar incidents across the country. According to global estimates, the actual number of road-related fatalities may be significantly higher than officially reported figures.
The recurring nature of such accidents underscores the need for stricter safety regulations, better enforcement, and improved infrastructure. Experts have called for enhanced monitoring of vehicles and safer operational practices at transport hubs.
Impact and Response
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the accident and determine whether negligence or technical failure played a role. The findings could lead to recommendations for improving safety standards and preventing similar incidents in the future.
The tragedy has also prompted discussions about emergency preparedness and response mechanisms. While rescue teams acted swiftly, the challenging conditions highlighted the difficulties faced during such operations.
Government officials are likely to review existing policies and consider measures to strengthen transport safety across the country.
The bus accident in Bangladesh, which resulted in at least 24 deaths, is a stark reminder of the risks associated with road and ferry transport in the region. As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on locating missing passengers and supporting affected families.
The incident highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures and stronger oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future.
