26 dead, several missing after bus plunges into river in Bangladesh

At least 26 people have died and several remain missing after a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River while boarding a ferry at Daulatdia ghat in Goaland upazila of Bangladesh. The accident occurred on Wednesday evening, triggering a massive rescue operation that continued overnight, with divers recovering bodies from the submerged vehicle.

According to officials, a total of 26 bodies have been recovered so far, including women, men and children. Rescue teams from fire services, local residents and naval divers jointly carried out the operation. While some injured passengers were rushed to a nearby health facility, two were declared dead upon arrival, adding to the rising toll. Authorities said the identities of several victims could not be immediately confirmed.

The bus, carrying around 40 passengers, reportedly lost control while boarding a ferry at the terminal and fell into the river, which is approximately 30 feet deep at the point of the incident. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the vehicle sank rapidly, leaving little time for passengers to escape. A few individuals managed to jump out and were rescued, but many were trapped inside as the bus submerged.

Emergency response teams, including multiple agencies, were deployed to the site, with search operations continuing to locate missing passengers. Officials indicated that a comprehensive list of victims and missing persons is being prepared, while bodies are being sent for identification before being handed over to families.

The government has announced the formation of two separate probe committees to investigate the cause of the accident. Authorities have also assured financial assistance for the victims’ families, as the tragedy has left the region in shock and mourning.