Bus Plunges into Padma River in Bangladesh, At Least 23 Dead in Tragic Accident
A devastating bus accident in Bangladesh has claimed the lives of at least 23 people after a passenger vehicle fell into the Padma River in Rajbari district on Wednesday. Rescue teams are continuing their efforts to search for survivors and locate those still missing following the tragic incident.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The accident occurred around 5 pm local time near ferry terminal number 3 in Daulatdia. The bus was traveling from Rajbari to Dhaka and was on a ferry when it tipped over the edge and plunged into the river. A video shared online shows the dramatic moment of the bus falling into the water, with a few passengers seen managing to swim and being pulled to safety by people on the shore.
Police inspector Russel Mollah provided updates on the situation, stating, "We have recovered 23 dead bodies so far. There may be some still missing, and a few people survived. Since it is night, the rescue operation is somewhat paused, but a combined rescue operation is ongoing."
Rescue Operation Challenges and Progress
Rescue teams including fire service personnel and divers launched an extensive operation immediately after the incident. The rescue ship Hamza managed to pull the submerged bus out of the river nearly six hours later. Around 11:15 pm, part of the vehicle became visible, and by 11:30 pm, the entire bus was successfully lifted using a crane.
Officials initially stated the bus was carrying approximately 40 passengers, though witnesses have suggested the number could be higher as the vehicle had picked up additional travelers along its route. This discrepancy has complicated rescue efforts and accounting for all passengers.
Ongoing Search and Recovery Efforts
Despite the recovery of 23 bodies, authorities believe more people may still be trapped or missing. The nighttime conditions have temporarily slowed the rescue operation, but teams remain committed to continuing their search. The combined rescue operation involves multiple agencies working together to ensure no survivors are overlooked.
The Padma River, one of Bangladesh's major waterways, presents significant challenges for rescue operations due to its strong currents and depth. The location near the ferry terminal adds complexity to the recovery efforts as normal river traffic must be managed alongside emergency operations.
This tragic accident highlights ongoing transportation safety concerns in Bangladesh, where river crossings are common but sometimes hazardous. The community in Rajbari district and surrounding areas has been deeply affected by the loss of life, with many families awaiting news of their loved ones.
