Many feared dead as bus plunges into river with over 50 passengers at Daulatdia

A passenger bus fell into the river after overturning while boarding a ferry at Daulatdia Ghat in Rajbari, raising fears of mass casualties. 

Seven people have been admitted to Goalanda Upazila Health Complex with injuries, while 45 remain missing after a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia Ghat.

The accident occurred around 5:15 pm on Wednesday, March 25, at No. 3 pontoon of Daulatdia Ghat.

According to Daulatdia Ghat sources, a passenger bus of Showhardo Paribahan, coming from Kumarkhali in Kushtia, lost control around 5:30 pm on Wednesday, March 25, while boarding the pontoon at Daulatdia's No. 3 ferry ghat and fell into the Padma River. The river is deep at the point where the bus went down.

The ferry terminal supervisor, Md. Monir Hossain, stated that shortly after 5:00 pm, a ‘Showhardo Paribahan’ coach arrived at Daulatdia Terminal No. 3. As a ferry had just departed, the coach was waiting for the next one. Subsequently, a small ferry named ‘Hasna Hena’ struck the pontoon with great force, causing the coach to lose control and plunge into the river.

According to local sources, the bus belonged to Sauharda Paribahan and was carrying around 50 to 55 passengers. The bus suddenly lost control while boarding the ferry and plunged into the river.

Several passengers managed to swim or otherwise reach the shore shortly after the incident, but many others on board remain missing.

Fire service and police rushed to the spot upon receiving information and began rescue operations. The area has become tense as crowds of locals gathered.

The rescue vessel Hamza, stationed near Daulatdia Ferry Ghat, rushed to the spot upon receiving information and began rescue operations. However, the sunken bus has not yet been recovered.