Tragic Bus Accident in Bangladesh Claims 24 Lives: What Happened?

Devastating Incident in Rajbari District

In a heartbreaking incident in Bangladesh, at least 24 individuals lost their lives, and many others are still unaccounted for after a bus fell into a river while trying to board a ferry. This tragic event took place in the Rajbari district at the Dauladia terminal on Wednesday around 5:15 PM.

The bus, which was en route to Dhaka, was reportedly carrying approximately 40 passengers, including children, many of whom were returning home after celebrating Eid.

Local fire service officials confirmed that 24 bodies have been recovered so far. Among them, 22 were found inside the bus, comprising 11 women, six men, and five children.

Fire service official Sohel Rana reported that the salvage vessel Hamza successfully lifted the bus using cranes. Divers managed to recover the bodies of two women, aged in their late 50s or early 60s, during the salvage operation, which concluded around midnight after six hours of challenging conditions.

The search for the missing continues, with divers from the fire service and coastguard, supported by military and police personnel.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been in touch with local officials for updates on the recovery efforts and has called for an investigation into the incident.

Witnesses and police indicated that around 11 passengers were able to swim to safety or were rescued, while many others remain missing.

According to Monir Hossain, the terminal's supervisor, the bus lost control after a smaller ferry collided with the pontoon, causing it to plunge into the river. He described the horrifying moment when the bus fell into the water, stating, "We could do nothing."

Medical personnel at Dauladia Health Complex reported that two women were brought in dead, while another woman, who is a doctor, received treatment.

Many of the passengers were from the same family, with some surviving because they were outside the bus when it sank.