A passenger bus lost control and sank into the Padma River while boarding a ferry at the Daulatdia terminal in Goalandu upazila on Wednesday afternoon, leaving at least 45 people missing.
The tragic accident occurred around 5:30 PM at Ferry Terminal No. 3. As of the latest reports, four bodies have been recovered from the water.
Details of the Accident
According to local sources and terminal officials, the bus, operated by ‘Souhardya Paribahan,’ was traveling from Kumarkhali in Kushtia.
While attempting to board the pontoon at Terminal 3, the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to plunge into the deep waters of the Padma and sink almost instantly.
Seven passengers were rescued with serious injuries and have been admitted to the Goalandu Upazila Health Complex. Most of the missing passengers were reportedly returning to their workplaces following the Eid holidays.
Ongoing Rescue Operations
The salvage ship 'Hamza,' which was stationed at the terminal, reached the spot shortly after the incident to begin recovery efforts.
However, divers and rescue teams are facing significant challenges due to the extreme depth of the river at the crash site.
Sohel Rana, Assistant Director of the Rajbari Fire Service and Civil Defense, confirmed that diving teams from both the Daulatdia and Paturia units are currently on-site.
"While the salvage ship Hamza is operational, we have not yet been able to locate or stabilize the bus underwater due to the depth," he stated.
Casualties and Impact
Initial reports indicate the bus departed Kumarkhali at 2:10 PM with a total of 56 passengers on board.
With only seven survivors rescued and four bodies recovered, the fate of the remaining 45 passengers remains unknown.
The atmosphere at the terminal has turned somber as distraught relatives gather, awaiting news of their loved ones.
