Tragic Bus Accident in Bangladesh: Rescue Operations Underway
Bus Plunges into River in Bangladesh
A devastating incident occurred in southwestern Bangladesh on Wednesday when a bus carrying approximately 40 passengers fell into a river while trying to board a ferry. The accident took place around 5:15 p.m. at the Dauladia terminal in Rajbari district, as reported by officials. A river police representative at the scene stated, “Initial reports indicate that the bus, which was headed to Dhaka, plunged into the Padma River while attempting to board the ferry.”
Authorities confirmed that some individuals were able to swim to safety or were rescued, but many remain unaccounted for as search efforts continue. The exact number of those rescued or still missing has not been disclosed. Trinath Saha, officer-in-charge of the Daulatdia River Police Outpost, mentioned that a search operation was initiated immediately following the incident.
Witnesses and terminal officials explained that the accident occurred when the bus was approaching the ferry from the pontoon. Monir Hossain, the terminal supervisor, noted, “As the bus moved towards the ferry, it was struck by a smaller utility ferry, causing the driver to lose control and plunge into the river.”
Emergency response teams acted swiftly, deploying fire service divers to search for survivors. A salvage vessel was also dispatched to assist in the rescue efforts. Fire service official Dewan Sohel Rana indicated that additional divers were brought in from two other terminals across the river. Reports from local media suggest that rescuers from the capital, Dhaka, are also en route to aid in the ongoing operations, which continued late into the evening as authorities strive to locate the missing passengers and recover the submerged bus.
