Bus Plunges into Padma River in Bangladesh, Leaving 23 Dead and Many Injured
In a devastating incident in Bangladesh, a passenger bus fell into the Padma River, resulting in the deaths of 23 individuals and leaving several others injured. The tragic event occurred on Wednesday, March 26, 2026, near the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari, as confirmed by local officials.
Details of the Accident and Rescue Efforts
The bus, which was traveling from Rajbari to Dhaka—a distance of approximately 128 kilometers—was on a ferry when it plunged into the river around 5:00 PM. According to Police Inspector Russel Mollah, the vehicle was carrying about 40 to 50 passengers, having picked up travelers from various stops along the route. Rescue operations were immediately launched by a combined team involving the fire service, navy, police, and other emergency groups.
However, due to darkness, the rescue efforts were temporarily paused at night and were scheduled to resume at daylight. Inspector Mollah stated, "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. However, due to darkness, the operation is temporarily halted, but it will resume again in the daylight."
Rescue Operations and Survivor Accounts
Witnesses reported that the rescue ship Hamza managed to pull the submerged bus out of the river approximately six hours after the accident. By 11:30 PM, the entire vehicle was lifted using the ship's crane, making it visible for further search and recovery efforts.
Tearful relatives gathered along the banks of the Padma River at the Daulatdia ferry terminal, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Survivors shared harrowing accounts of the incident. One survivor recounted managing to swim ashore but witnessing his wife and child disappear beneath the water as the bus sank. Another survivor, Abdul Azizul, who boarded the bus from Kalukhali Upazila in Rajbari, also swam to safety but reported that his wife and child remained missing.
Impact and Ongoing Investigations
The accident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised concerns about safety measures on ferries and river crossings in Bangladesh. Authorities are likely to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the bus falling into the river, with a focus on potential factors such as:
- Mechanical failures of the bus or ferry
- Human error during loading or navigation
- Environmental conditions at the time of the incident
As rescue teams continue their efforts in daylight, the death toll may rise, and more details are expected to emerge. This tragic event underscores the need for enhanced safety protocols and emergency preparedness in riverine transport systems across the region.
