Dhaka: A tragic accident in Bangladesh’s Rajbari has left at least 24 people dead after a passenger bus plunged into a river while attempting to board a ferry, officials confirmed on Thursday. Several others are still unaccounted for, with rescue operations continuing into the second day.
The incident took place at the busy Dauladia ferry terminal in Rajbari on Wednesday evening. Authorities said the Dhaka-bound bus lost control and fell into the Padma River around 5:15 pm.
Preliminary reports indicate that nearly 40 passengers were on board, including women and children, many of whom were returning to Dhaka after celebrating Eid with their families.
Emergency responders and local divers have been working continuously to retrieve bodies and locate survivors. Officials fear the death toll could rise as search teams comb through the river for those still missing.
Eyewitnesses suggested that the accident may have occurred during the process of boarding the ferry, though the exact cause is yet to be determined. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
The Dauladia terminal is one of the busiest river crossings in the country, often witnessing heavy traffic, especially during festive seasons.
