In Bangladesh, a passenger bus carrying around 40 to 50 people plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari this evening, triggering a major rescue operation, with many passengers feared dead. The incident occurred at around 5:15 pm at Daulatdia Ghat No. 3, when the Dhaka-bound bus lost control while attempting to board a ferry and fell from a pontoon into the river. Officials said the bus sank to a depth of nearly 30 feet.
According to local authorities, the bus had been waiting to board a ferry when a smaller ferry reportedly struck the pontoon, causing the vehicle to plunge into the water. Some passengers managed to swim ashore immediately after the accident, but many are believed to be trapped inside the submerged bus.
Rescue efforts were launched promptly, with divers from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, river police, and ferry authorities rushing to the scene. A rescue vessel has also been deployed, and additional diving teams from Dhaka and nearby areas are being sent to assist.
Officials confirmed that the submerged bus has been located underwater. So far, only a few passengers have been rescued alive, while the fate of the remaining occupants remains uncertain.
Authorities said it is too early to confirm the number of casualties, but fears are growing as rescue teams continue their search in challenging conditions. The incident has raised fresh concerns over safety measures at ferry terminals, particularly at the busy Daulatdia-Paturia river crossing, one of the country’s key transport routes.
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