Bus Accident in Bangladesh's Rajbari District Leaves 16 Dead, Rescue Efforts Underway
Bus falls into river during ferry boarding in Bangladesh, killing 16 and leaving several passengers missing.
At least 16 people have been killed and several others remain missing after a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River in southwestern Bangladesh, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The tragic accident occurred at the Dauladia ferry terminal in Rajbari as the bus was attempting to board a transport ferry.
According to authorities, the Dhaka-bound bus fell into the river at around 5:15 p.m., reportedly carrying about 40 passengers, including children returning to the capital after the Eid holidays. Initial rescue efforts managed to save around 11 passengers, who either swam ashore or were pulled to safety, while many others were trapped inside the submerged vehicle.
Rescue teams worked for hours under difficult weather conditions to retrieve the bus. A salvage vessel later recovered the vehicle using cranes, and 14 bodies were found inside. Earlier, divers had recovered the bodies of two women, bringing the confirmed death toll to 16. Emergency responders, including fire service personnel, coastguard divers, and security forces, continued search operations through the night.
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Witnesses and officials said the accident was triggered when another vessel struck the pontoon as the bus was moving toward the ferry. The collision reportedly caused the driver to lose control, leading the vehicle to plunge into the river. Eyewitnesses described the incident as sudden and devastating, with little time for passengers to react.
Medical officials at a nearby health facility reported that two victims were brought in dead, while at least one injured passenger received treatment. Many of the passengers were believed to be members of the same family, intensifying the tragedy as some relatives survived while others remained trapped in the bus.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Tarique Rahman has reportedly sought updates from local officials and directed them to ensure a thorough inquiry. The disaster highlights ongoing concerns over ferry terminal safety and overcrowded transport systems in Bangladesh, particularly during peak travel periods such as major holidays.
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