Another bus plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia Ferry Terminal in Rajbari just over two months after a similar incident that killed at least 26 in late March, but this time all passengers survived.
According to a statement from the River Police, prompt action and timely precautions saved lives.
The incident occurred at around 9am when an SB Super Deluxe bus, travelling from Meherpur, Kushtia to Dhaka, toppled from pontoon number seven of the terminal.
The bus had been due to board the ferry ‘Jahangir’, but it veered off and struck the ramp of a nearby ferry with force. The impact broke the pontoon, sending the bus fully into the river, where it sank completely.
Passengers reported that police officers made them get off the bus before it boarded the pontoon, leaving only the driver, assistant, and supervisor inside. Following the accident, they were rescued from the river.
The River Police said that after passengers had moved to a safe distance, the driver and assistant attempted to board the ferry with the vehicle, at which point it suddenly lost control and plunged into the river. Rescue operations began immediately, and the driver and assistant were taken to hospital.
Shariful Islam, resident doctor at Goalanda Upazila Health Complex, confirmed that the assistant received initial treatment and all three were now out of danger.
BIWTA Deputy General Manager Salah Uddin said, “Rescue vessels and divers immediately recovered the bus from the river. The vehicle was later pulled out empty.”
State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan visited the site and announced an official investigation. It will include senior officials from BIWTA and BIWTC, led by Joint Secretary Md Rafiqul Karim.
“Strict adherence to safety rules prevented a major tragedy, saving 37 lives,” said the minister.
Rajbari district authorities will also form a seven-member committee.
On 25 March, a bus from Kumarakhali to Dhaka fell into the river from pontoon three of Daulatdia Ferry Terminal, killing 26 people.
