Dozens Feared Dead as Commuter Bus with 40 Passengers Slips into Padma River in Bangladesh
Dozens are feared dead as a Dhaka-bound bus carrying around 40 passengers slipped into the Padma River, leaving most of its occupants missing.
The bodies of two passengers have been recovered, while a few others are receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, after a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River from a pontoon at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat on Wednesday evening, authorities confirmed.
Rescue operations are ongoing but facing difficulties due to adverse weather conditions.
The deceased have been identified as Rehena Begum, 60, from Bhabanipur in Rajbari, and Marjina Begum, 55, whose full details are yet to be confirmed.
Another injured passenger, Nusrat, 29, a medical professional, is currently receiving treatment at the Goalanda Upazila Health Complex.
According to Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Md. Maruf Hossain, three individuals were rescued and taken to the hospital following the accident. Two of them were declared dead on arrival, while the third remains under medical care.
How the Accident Occurred
The incident took place at around 5:15 PM when a Dhaka-bound passenger bus operated by Souhardo Paribahan was waiting to board a ferry at the ghat.
Witnesses said the bus had narrowly missed boarding an earlier ferry and was parked on pontoon number three.
Shortly afterward, a small utility ferry named “Hasna Hena” reportedly struck the pontoon with significant force. The impact caused the bus driver to lose control, sending the vehicle plunging into the river within moments.
Rescue Operation Underway
Rescue vessel “Hamza” has been deployed and has already located the submerged bus, according to local sources. However, continuous rain and strong winds are significantly slowing down recovery efforts.
Officials estimate that around 40 passengers, including women and children, were on board at the time of the accident. While a few managed to escape, many are feared to be trapped inside the submerged vehicle.
Eyewitness Account
Monir Hossain, a transport supervisor at the ghat, described the incident as sudden and devastating.
He said the bus fell into the river right in front of them, leaving little to no time for intervention.
Ongoing Concerns
The incident has drawn large crowds to the ghat as anxious relatives and locals gather for updates. Authorities are continuing rescue operations despite challenging weather conditions, and further casualties cannot be ruled out.
Bus Submerged Under Pontoon
The bus, carrying an estimated 40 passengers, including women and children, is now trapped under the pontoon.
Rescue workers report that the vehicle’s doors and windows have become almost impossible to open due to water pressure, making the extraction of passengers extremely difficult. Divers and specialized equipment have been deployed to try to reach those still inside.
Delays Spark Frustration
Family members of the missing passengers have expressed deep anger and grief over the delay in rescue efforts. According to witnesses, formal search and rescue operations did not begin until at least one hour after the vehicle sank.
The rescue vessel Hamza and diving teams from the Fire Service eventually arrived at the scene to initiate the recovery process.
Current Challenges for Divers
The diving team reported significant hurdles in reaching the victims. The bus is currently lodged underneath the pontoon, making it impossible for divers to break the windows or doors to enter the vehicle. Despite these structural obstacles, rescue workers are continuing their attempts to gain access.
Heartbreaking Accounts
Only a few passengers managed to swim to safety. One survivor, Abdul Azizul, recounted his narrow escape:
"I boarded the bus from the Gandhimara area in Rajbari. When the bus hit the water, I managed to swim to the shore, but my wife and young child are still missing."
Official Response
Dewan Sohail Rana, Deputy Assistant Director of the Rajbari Fire Service, confirmed that the bus originated from Kushtia. He noted that additional diving teams from Paturia, Aricha, and the Fire Service Headquarters in Dhaka have been dispatched to the site to bolster the rescue mission.
