24 killed as bus plunges into river while boarding ferry in Bangladesh

DHAKA: At least 24 people were killed after a bus carrying around 40 passenger plunged into the Padma River while attempting to board a ferry in Bangladesh, officials said on Thursday.

The حادثہ occurred on Wednesday near Daulatdia in Rajbari district, about 100 kilometres from Dhaka, when the bus reportedly lost control while approaching the ferry.

According to police and rescue officials, the bus overturned and sank nearly 30 feet into the river. Rescue teams recovered 22 bodies from inside the submerged vehicle, including men, women and children. Two more victims later died after being pulled out alive, bringing the death toll to 24..

Read More: Civil-military leadership agrees unified strategy amid regional crisis

Fire Service official Talha Bin Zasim said multiple rescue units, including four fire service teams and 10 divers, were involved in the operation. The efforts were supported by the army, police, coast guard and local authorities.

Officials said the search operation is ongoing as fears remain that more passengers could still be trapped or missing.

Road and ferry accidents are common in Bangladesh, where hundreds of people lose their lives each year due to overcrowding, poor infrastructure and safety challenges.