Bus plunges into Padma Two Dead
At least two people have died after a passenger bus carrying around 40 passengers plunged into the Padma River from a pontoon at Daulatdia ferry ghat in Rajbari on Wednesday afternoon while attempting to board a ferry.
The incident occurred around 5:15 pm at pontoon No 3, when the Souhardo Paribahan bus reportedly lost control, overturned, and sank to an estimated depth of 30 feet, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defence.
The resident medical officer of Goalanda Upazila Health Complex confirmed that two of the rescued passengers later died while undergoing treatment. Local sources said five to seven passengers managed to swim ashore shortly after the accident.
Fire Service officials confirmed that the submerged bus has been located underwater. Rescue operations are ongoing, with one unit from Goalanda Fire Station and a diving team from Aricha Fire Station conducting searches. Two additional diving units from Dhaka and Faridpur have been dispatched to assist in the operation.
Trinath Saha, in-charge of the Daulatdia River Police Outpost, said, “There were around 40 passengers on the bus. The rescue vessel Hamza has begun operations, and so far two people have been rescued alive.”
Talha Bin Jasim, media officer at the Fire Service headquarters, added, “Fire Service divers are working at the scene, and more teams are being sent from headquarters in Dhaka to support the ongoing efforts.”
Dewan Sohel Rana, deputy assistant director of Rajbari Fire Service, said the bus lost control while boarding the ferry and fell into the river. Additional diving teams from Paturia and Aricha are on their way to assist with the rescue.
Md Monir Hossain, transport supervisor at the Daulatdia ferry terminal, told reporters that the bus arrived at pontoon No 3 shortly after 5 pm. “At around 5:15 pm, a small ferry, Hasna Hena, struck the pontoon with force. Unable to control the impact, the bus plunged into the river,” he said.
The Goalanda Police Station confirmed that several passengers are still believed to be trapped inside the submerged bus. Rescue efforts are continuing as authorities work to recover victims and ensure the safety of survivors.
