Bangladesh – Bus Plunges into Padma River, Killing 18 Near Rajbari

Bangladesh – A tragic road accident in central Bangladesh has claimed the lives of at least 18 people after a passenger bus fell into the Padma River while attempting to board a ferry, officials confirmed on Thursday.

Accident Occurs During Ferry Boarding

The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon in Rajbari district, located roughly 84 kilometers from the capital, Dhaka. According to fire service officials, the bus was in the process of getting onto a ferry when it suddenly lost control and plunged into the river.

Authorities stated that the vehicle was carrying around 50 passengers at the time of the accident. The circumstances leading to the bus falling into the water are still under investigation.

Passengers Returning After Eid Travel

The bus had been traveling from the southwestern district of Kushtia to Dhaka. Many of the passengers were reportedly returning to the capital after spending time with their families during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

This period typically sees heavy travel across Bangladesh, with buses and ferries operating at high capacity as people resume work following the festive break.

Rescue Efforts Continue Through Difficult Conditions

Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the scene, and a rescue vessel joined the operation later on Wednesday evening. Divers and rescue workers worked through the night to retrieve victims and recover the submerged bus.

Officials reported that challenging weather conditions, including strong river currents and intermittent rain, slowed down the rescue process. Despite these difficulties, the bus was eventually lifted from the river.

Casualties Include Women and Children

By Thursday morning, rescuers had recovered 18 bodies from the river. Among the deceased were 10 women and two children, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department.

Several passengers managed to escape by swimming to safety immediately after the accident, but others remained trapped inside the bus.

Uncertainty Over Missing Passengers

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any passengers are still missing. Search operations continued as teams assessed the situation and attempted to account for all individuals who were on board.

Officials said further updates would depend on ongoing recovery efforts and verification of passenger details.

Safety Concerns Raised After Incident

The accident has once again drawn attention to transportation safety during peak travel periods in Bangladesh. Experts have previously highlighted the risks associated with overcrowded vehicles and ferry crossings, especially under challenging weather conditions.

Investigators are expected to examine whether operational lapses or mechanical issues contributed to the incident.