Bus Plunges into Padma River: 18 Bodies Recovered So Far A bus carrying at least 40 passengers lost control and fell into the Padma River in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in multiple fatalities. Rescue teams have recovered 18 bodies so far, with efforts ongoing under challenging conditions. The incident occurred when the bus, which had arrived at a ferry ghat shortly after 5:00pm, was unable to board a departing ferry for Paturia in Manikganj. According to Rajbari Fire Service and Civil Defence officials, two bodies were initially recovered from the river. Later, a rescue vessel named Hamza lifted the submerged bus at 11:50pm, during which 16 additional bodies were retrieved. Among the deceased were four men, ten women, and two children. Two identified victims were Rehena Begum, 60, and Marjina Begum, 55, confirmed by the Daulatdia Upazila Health Complex. Eleven passengers managed to swim to safety, though many remained trapped inside the bus. A doctor at the Daulatdia Upazila Health Complex reported that two women were found dead, while another woman, a physician at a private hospital in Dhaka, received treatment. Rescue operations continue as divers from Paturia and Aricha ghats, along with police, army, naval police, and fire service personnel, work to locate remaining survivors. The accident occurred when a small utility ferry named Hasna Hena struck the pontoon with force, causing the bus to lose control. Md Monir Hossain, a transport supervisor at the Daulatdia ferry ghat, stated that the bus had waited for another ferry after the initial departure. “Right before our eyes, the bus fell into the river, but we could do nothing,” Monir said, describing the moment the vehicle plunged into the water. Local residents gathered at the ghat to assist in initial rescue efforts.#padma_river #rajbari #goalanda_upazila #daulatdia_upazila #hasna_hena
