Passenger Bus Falls into Padma River in Bangladesh, Killing Dozens

Bus Accident Claims Lives of at Least 24 People in Bangladesh

A bus carrying 40 passengers plunged into the Padma River in central Bangladesh on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 people. The incident occurred when the bus lost control as it approached a ferry at Daulatdia in Rajbari district.

Rescuers recovered 22 bodies from inside the submerged bus, including five children, 11 women, and six men. Two more women died later after being rescued. The overturned bus sank approximately 9 meters into the river.

Witnesses reported that the bus was waiting to board a ferry when it fell into the river. Some passengers managed to exit the vehicle, but their family members were trapped inside and perished. Footage shared online shows the bus toppling over an edge and entering the water.

A multi-agency response effort was launched, involving four fire service units, 10 divers, and support from the army, police, coastguard, and local authorities. The incident highlights the risks associated with road and ferry accidents in Bangladesh, which have become a recurring issue due to poor infrastructure and reckless driving practices.

According to official reports, hundreds of people die each year in such incidents in Bangladesh. The country’s Road Safety Foundation reported over 200 deaths during recent Eid holidays.

Source: Al Jazeera