At least 23 to 24 people were killed and several others remained missing after a Dhaka-bound passenger bus plunged into the Padma River while boarding a ferry at Daulatdia Ghat No. 3 in Rajbari district of Bangladesh on Wednesday evening, according to officials and media reports.
The accident occurred around 5:15 PM when the bus, carrying an estimated 40 to 50 passengers, reportedly lost control at the busy ferry terminal and fell off a pontoon into the river, triggering panic among passengers and bystanders.
The incident has once again highlighted safety concerns at Bangladesh’s heavily used ferry terminals, particularly during peak travel hours when congestion and pressure on transport infrastructure increase significantly.
Initial reports confirmed that at least 23 to 24 people, including women and children, lost their lives in the tragedy, while several others were feared missing as rescue operations continued through the night.
Officials said the submerged bus was located and retrieved from the river nearly six hours after the incident, with at least 11 survivors rescued during the operation.
Rescue teams, including divers and emergency personnel, were immediately deployed to the site and worked overnight to search for survivors and recover bodies from the river.
“We launched an extensive rescue operation soon after the incident and continued efforts throughout the night,” an official associated with the operation said, adding that strong currents and low visibility posed challenges.
Preliminary findings suggest that the bus may have lost control while attempting to board the ferry. Some reports indicated a possible collision at the terminal or mechanical failure, including brake issues, though authorities said the exact cause remains under investigation.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes at the ghat as the bus plunged into the water, with passengers struggling to escape.
“There was panic everywhere. People were shouting and trying to help, but it happened very quickly,” a witness said.
The Daulatdia ferry terminal is one of the busiest river crossings in Bangladesh, connecting key routes to Dhaka and handling a high volume of passenger and cargo traffic daily.
Transport safety experts have long raised concerns about infrastructure management, vehicle regulation and operational oversight at ferry terminals, particularly during rush periods.
Authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident to determine responsibility and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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