Many feared dead as passenger bus plunges into Padma River

A bus with around 50 passengers plunged into the Padma River while attempting to board a ferry at Daulatdia ghat in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila on Wednesday afternoon.

According to locals, the Dhaka-bound bus fell into the river losing control while boarding at the ferry terminal no 3.

Though several passengers seen managed to swim ashore immediately, many others are feared to have gone under.

Rescue operations are underway, with members of the fire service and police already at the scene.

According to locals, the bus was carrying around around 50 passengers. Of them, five to seven people were able to reach the shore by swimming, while the whereabouts of the others remain unknown.

Confirming the incident, BIWTC Aricha office Executive Engineer Mohammad Robiul Alam said they had learned that more than 50 passengers were on board the bus and feared casualties, adding that further details would be briefed later.

Rajbari Fire Service Deputy Assistant Director Dewan Sohel Rana said the bus lost control while boarding the ferry and fell into the river. Diving teams from Paturia and Aricha ghats are on their way to join the rescue operation.

AM