At least 23 people lost their lives in Bangladesh's Rajbari district on Wednesday after a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River while attempting to board a ferry. Several others remain missing, and rescue teams continue to search the area.

Bus falls into river at Dauladia terminal

The accident took place around 5.15 pm on Wednesday at the busy Dauladia ferry terminal in southwestern Bangladesh. The bus, carrying around 50 passengers, was heading towards Dhaka, with many onboard returning after the Eid holidays, reported Hindustan Times citing Bangladeshi news outlets.

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According to reports, the vehicle lost control while trying to get onto a ferry and fell into the river within seconds. A video circulating on social media shows the bus nosediving into the water as bystanders scream and rush to help.

Casualties and rescue efforts

Among the deceased are 11 women, eight children and four men. Authorities have handed over 22 bodies to their families, while one remains unclaimed.

Rescue operations were launched soon after the incident, involving fire service teams, coastguard divers, police and military personnel. Some passengers managed to escape. Around 11 people either swam ashore or were rescued by locals, who used ropes, boats and life-saving tubes to pull survivors out of the water.

The submerged bus was retrieved nearly six hours after the accident, despite challenging weather conditions. A rescue vessel named Hamza was deployed, and a portion of the vehicle became visible only after 11.15 pm. A crane was then used to pull it out of the river.

Eyewitness accounts highlight chaos

Witnesses described a sudden chain of events that led to the tragedy.

"When the bus was heading towards the ferry from the pontoon, another smaller utility ferry hit the pontoon. It plunged into the river as the bus driver lost control of the steering," the terminal's supervisor Monir Hossain was quoted as saying.

"Right before our eyes, the bus fell into the river, but we could do nothing," he added.

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Probe ordered into accident

Officials said many passengers belonged to the same families, which has deepened the impact of the tragedy.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident. A high-level committee is being formed to examine the circumstances leading to the crash and to determine accountability.