A tragic transportation accident in central Bangladesh has resulted in significant casualties following a bus catastrophe. On Wednesday afternoon, a passenger vehicle carrying approximately 50 individuals veered off a ferry ramp and submerged into the powerful currents of the River Padma in Rajbari district, located approximately 84 kilometers from the national capital of Dhaka.
The incident occurred as citizens were returning to their workplaces following celebrations of Eid al-Fitr, the important religious festival marking the end of Ramadan. The bus had been traveling from the southwestern district of Kushtia toward the capital city when the devastating accident transpired during the ferry boarding process.
Fire and rescue authorities, led by official Dewan Sohel Rana, reported that while numerous passengers managed to reach safety through swimming, others became trapped within the submerged vehicle. Rescue operations faced substantial challenges throughout the night due to powerful river currents and adverse weather conditions with heavy rainfall.
A specialized rescue vessel deployed to the location successfully raised the bus from the riverbed after arriving on Wednesday evening. Recovery teams worked continuously through the night and into Thursday morning, ultimately confirming 18 fatalities. Among the deceased were ten women and two children, according to the official report from Bangladesh’s Fire Service and Civil Defense Department.
Authorities have indicated that uncertainty remains regarding potential missing persons as investigation and recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of this devastating incident.