DHAKA, Mar 26: At least 24 people have died and several others remain missing after a passenger bus carrying around 40 passengers plunged into the Padma River while attempting to board a ferry in southwestern Bangladesh, officials said Thursday.
The accident occurred Wednesday afternoon at approximately 5:15 p.m. near the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari district, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Dhaka. The bus, operated by Souhardo Paribahan on the Dhaka-bound route, fell into the river from pontoon number 3 while attempting to board a ferry, the Dhaka Tribune reported.
Authorities say as per preliminary probe the bus lost control as it approached the ferry, overturned, and sank nearly 30 feet (9 meters) into the river.
Rescuers recovered 22 bodies from inside the submerged bus, including six men, 11 women, and five children, according to Fire Service official Talha Bin Zasim.
As per local media reports, four fire service units and 10 divers, assisted by the army, police, coast guard, and local authorities, led the search and rescue operation, which continued overnight.
Goalanda Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Md. Maruf Hossain said, “Three people were rescued from the bus accident and brought to the hospital. Of them, two were found dead. The other one is receiving treatment.”
The deceased have been identified as Rehana Begum, 60, of Bhabanipur in Rajbari, and Morzina Begum, 55.
Terminal’s Transport Supervisor Md. Monir Hossain said the accident occurred following a sequence of events involving ferry movement at the ghat.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called for updates on the rescue operations and has ordered an investigation into the incident.
The bus was recovered around midnight Wednesday after six hours of efforts using the vessel Hamza and its cranes, according to Fire Service official Sohel Rana.
(UNI)
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