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Bus Plunges into Padma River in Bangladesh, 2 Dead, Many Feared Trapped

A passenger bus plunged into the Padma River in Rajbari's Goalanda upazila, resulting in two confirmed fatalities. Rescue operations are ongoing for an unknown number of passengers feared trapped after the vehicle sank. Adverse weather conditions have complicated the recovery efforts led by fire service, police, and military teams. Local residents initially assisted in the rescue as senior officials monitored the situation at the ferry terminal.

Key Points: Bangladesh Bus Crash into Padma River: Rescue Ops Underway

  • 2 women confirmed dead
  • 11 passengers swam to safety
  • At least 40 feared on board
  • Adverse weather hampers rescue
  • Multi-agency operation underway
2 min read

Bangladesh: 2 dead, several feared trapped as bus plunges into Padma River

Two dead, several feared trapped after a passenger bus plunges into the Padma River in Rajbari. Rescue teams face adverse weather conditions.

"Right before our eyes, the bus fell into the river, but we could do nothing. - Md Monir Hossain"

Rajbari, March 25

Two bodies were recovered after a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River in Rajbari's Goalanda upazila on Wednesday afternoon, local media outlet the Daily Star reported.

According to police and local sources, 11 passengers were able to swim to safety following the incident, which occurred near the ferry terminal.

Maruf Hasan, a doctor at the Daulatdia Upazila Health Complex, stated that the two women were brought dead to the facility.

He added that another woman, a doctor at Square Hospital in Dhaka, survived the ordeal and "received treatment" at the complex.

Detailing the sequence of events, Md Monir Hossain, a transport supervisor at the Daulatdia ferry ghat, told the Daily Star that a Showhardo Poribohon bus arrived at the terminal shortly after 5:00 pm.

After missing an earlier ferry to Paturia, the vehicle was waiting for the next vessel when a small utility ferry, the Hasna Hena, reportedly struck the pontoon with significant force.

"Right before our eyes, the bus fell into the river, but we could do nothing," Monir said.

He noted that while some managed to escape, many remained trapped as the vehicle sank.

Quoting a passenger, a fire official told the Daily Star that "at least 40 passengers were on board during the accident," raising fears that the death toll could rise.

In response to the emergency, the Fire Service Media Wing confirmed that "diving teams are working to rescue the passengers," with additional specialists being dispatched from the Dhaka headquarters.

Although the rescue vessel Hamza has reached the site, Dewan Sohel Rana of the Rajbari Fire Service explained that "adverse weather conditions delayed the start of the recovery operation."

The Daily Star further reported that a coordinated effort involving the police, army, naval police, and fire service is currently underway.

Local residents also joined the initial rescue efforts as senior district officials monitored the situation at the ghat.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is so sad. Reading about the doctor from Dhaka who survived—it really brings home how these tragedies affect ordinary people just going about their day. The report of the ferry striking the pontoon with force raises serious questions about safety protocols at these river terminals, not just in Bangladesh but something we should check in our own ferry systems too.
R
Rohit P
Om Shanti. A bus falling into a river is a nightmare scenario. The fact that local residents jumped in to help first is commendable—that's the spirit of our subcontinent. But authorities need to answer: why was a ferry allowed to strike the pontoon? Was it a mechanical failure or human error? Praying the death toll doesn't rise.
P
Priya S
Heart-wrenching news. As a neighbour, we feel this pain deeply. The Padma River connects so many lives. While we offer our sympathies, I hope this leads to a thorough investigation and stricter enforcement of maritime and transport safety in the region. So many families will be shattered today.
M
Michael C
The bravery of the 11 who swam to safety is incredible. Water currents in major rivers are no joke. This underscores the critical need for mandatory basic water safety and emergency exit training for transport staff operating near major water bodies. A small measure that could save lives.
K
Kavya N
This is absolutely tragic. Two women gone just like that. It's good to see a coordinated effort with army and navy, but the delay due to weather is so frustrating. We need better, all-weather rescue infrastructure for riverine areas across South Asia. My thoughts are with Bangladesh today.

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