A passenger bus plunged into the Padma River while attempting to board a ferry at the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari on Wednesday afternoon, prompting fears of multiple casualties
The accident occurred at approximately 5:15pm at Pontoon 3 as a bus belonging to “Souhardya Paribahan” was boarding a ferry.
According to local sources, the bus was carrying between 50 and 55 passengers. Within minutes of the accident, five to seven passengers were able to swim to safety and reach the riverbank but many others are feared to have gone under, according to locals.
Mohammad Salahuddin, manager of the Daulatdia Ferry Terminal under BIWTC, confirmed the bus had plunged into the river.
Anwarul Islam Dolon, an official from the Media Cell of the Fire Service Headquarters, said rescue operations are currently underway.
The Fire Service’s diving team is on site, while two additional units are being dispatched from Dhaka and Faridpur to assist in the search.
According to sources at the Daulatdia River Police Outpost, the rescue ship Hamza has reached the scene and begun recovery operations.
Yahiya Khan, an officer of the Gopalganj Fire Service and Civil Defence in Rajbari, told TIMES of Bangladesh that no one has been rescued so far.
He added that the bus has sunk around 60 feet below the ferry terminal, and the Fire Service’s diving team is currently conducting operations at the site.
Fire Service officials confirmed that the submerged bus has been identified underwater. Efforts are underway to recover the bus with the assistance of BIWTA’s salvage vessel Hamza.
No one has been rescued so far in the accident. Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams from the Fire Service, police, and the army working at the scene, including three Fire Service units.
The rescue effort is being disrupted by torrential rain, swift river currents, and crowds of bystanders.
Ambulances from the Upazila Health Complex and the Fire Service have also been stationed at the site to provide emergency support.
