Bus plunges into Padma River: 2 died, 11 rescued alive

Two died and dozens went missing after a Dhaka-bound passenger bus carrying at least 45 people lost control and plunged into the Padma River while attempting to board a ferry pontoon at Daulatdia terminal in Rajbari district on Wednesday.

The accident occurred around 5:30 pm at pontoon number 3 of Daulatdia ferry terminal in Goalanda upazila. 

Rescuers have recovered two bodies so far while 11 passengers managed to swim to safety, according to officials.

Civil Surgeon Dr. SM Masud confirmed that the bodies of two women have been recovered and taken to Goalanda Upazila Health Complex. 

However, the identities of the deceased have not yet been established.

Local sources said the bus, operated by Souhardya Paribahan and travelling from Kumarkhali in Kushtia to Dhaka, lost control while attempting to board the pontoon and sank within moments of falling into the river. Most of the missing passengers were reportedly returning to work after the Eid holidays.

Rescue vessel Hamza, stationed at Daulatdia terminal, reached the scene and began operations immediately after the incident. However, rescue efforts have been hampered by the significant depth of the water where the bus submerged. Diver teams from both Daulatdia and Paturia units are conducting separate search operations.

Dewan Sohel Rana, Deputy Assistant Director of Rajbari Fire Service, said the bus has not yet been located or retrieved from underwater despite ongoing efforts.

Senior officials including Rajbari-2 constituency Member of Parliament Md. Harun-or-Rashid, Deputy Commissioner Sultana Akter, Police Superintendent Mohammad Monjur Morshed, and District Council Administrator Abdus Salam Mia are present at the scene monitoring the rescue operations.