Passenger bus falls into river while boarding ferry in Bangladesh, 4 bodies recovered, 11 rescued

A Dhaka-bound passenger bus lost control and sank into the Padma River while boarding a pontoon at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat in Goalanda Upazila of Rajbari, Bangladesh. 

The bodies of four people have been recovered so far, the district civil surgeon said. The names and identities of the deceased have not been initially known. 

The accident occurred at Ferry Ghat No. 3 in Daulatdia, Rajbari, Bangladesh around 6:30 pm on Wednesday. It is reported that 11 passengers were able to swim to the shore after the incident. There were at least 45 passengers on the bus. 

According to local sources, a Dhaka-bound passenger bus of Sauhardya Paribahan, which left Kumarkhali in Kushtia, Bangladesh, was trying to board a pontoon at Daulatdia Ghat No. 3 around 6:30 pm. At that time, the bus lost control and fell into the Padma River and sank instantly. 

After the accident, four bodies have been recovered so far with the help of locals. In addition, 11 people have been rescued in serious condition and admitted to the Goalanda Upazila Health Complex. It is reported that most of the missing passengers were returning to work after the Eid holidays. 

The Bangladesh Fire Service's diving team has started the rescue operation. The rescue ship Hamza is working, but so far it has not been possible to identify or recover the bus from under the water.

Reporter: Salim Reza