Authorities in Bangladesh have confirmed that a bus carrying approximately 50 passengers plunged into the River Padma on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 18 individuals. The incident occurred in the Rajbari district, located about 84 kilometers (52 miles) from the capital city of Dhaka.
Details of the Fatal Accident
According to fire official Dewan Sohel Rana, the bus was traveling from the southwestern district of Kushtia to Dhaka, as many people were returning to work following the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr. The vehicle was driving onto a ferry when it plunged into the major river, leading to immediate chaos and rescue efforts.
Rescue Operations and Challenges
Rana reported that many passengers managed to swim to safety after the accident, but others became trapped inside the bus. A rescue vessel was deployed late on Wednesday and successfully lifted the bus from the water. Rescuers worked tirelessly overnight to recover bodies, with 18 fatalities confirmed by Thursday morning.
Strong currents and heavy rains significantly disrupted the rescue operations throughout the night, complicating efforts to locate any potential missing individuals. It remains unclear if there are still people unaccounted for following the tragedy.
Victims and Aftermath
The Fire Service and Civil Defense Department disclosed that among the deceased were ten women and two children, highlighting the devastating impact on families. The community is now grappling with the aftermath as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.
This incident underscores ongoing safety concerns regarding transportation in the region, particularly during peak travel periods such as post-festival returns. Authorities are urging for enhanced measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
