Bus plunges into Padma River
Ferry collision kills dozens as rescue efforts continue
A passenger bus plunged into the Padma River after a ferry struck the dock, killing at least 25 people, officials said. The Shouharda Paribahan bus was waiting to board the ferry Hasna Hena at Daulatdia in Rajbari district when the ferry collided with the pontoon, causing the bus to lose control, overturn and sink roughly 9 metres. About 40 passengers were on board.
Rescue teams from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, supported by the army, police, coast guard and local authorities, recovered dozens of victims and pulled survivors from the water. Fire Service officials reported that 22 bodies were recovered from inside the submerged bus and that two additional rescued women later died in hospital, bringing the confirmed death toll to at least 25; more passengers are feared missing. Ten divers and multiple fire units led search operations amid strong currents and limited visibility.
Survivors described frantic scenes as some passengers swam to safety or clung to debris. Injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals; authorities have not provided a full account of their conditions. An investigation by transport and safety authorities has been launched to determine causes, with preliminary attention on possible loss of control, mechanical failure or operational factors at the ferry boarding point.
Bangladesh records frequent road and ferry accidents, and the disaster has renewed calls from safety advocates for stricter enforcement of vehicle maintenance, loading limits and boarding procedures. Local officials expressed condolences and pledged support for victims’ families while continuing search efforts to determine whether additional passengers remain unaccounted for.
