Tragedy in Bangladesh: Bus Crash Kills at Least 18

A tragic accident in Bangladesh has claimed the lives of at least 18 people after a passenger bus fell into the Padma River near the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari district. The incident has shocked the entire region and raised concerns about safety at ferry crossings.

The accident took place around 5:15 pm on Wednesday. The bus, which was heading towards Dhaka, reportedly lost control while trying to board a ferry at Ghat No. 3 in Goalanda Upazila. According to initial reports, the vehicle slipped off a pontoon and plunged into the river, sinking nearly 30 feet underwater within minutes.

Many passengers were still inside the bus when it fell into the river. Due to the sudden nature of the accident, several people did not get enough time to escape. Witnesses at the scene said that panic spread quickly as the bus disappeared into the water, and locals immediately tried to help before official rescue teams arrived.

A large-scale rescue operation was launched soon after the incident. Teams from the local administration, police, fire service, and divers worked together to search for survivors and recover bodies. Boats and special equipment were used to reach the submerged bus and bring people out from the wreckage. Despite their efforts, the number of casualties continued to rise as more bodies were recovered.

Officials said that some passengers were rescued alive and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. However, many others remained missing, and search operations were still ongoing at the time of reporting. Authorities are also working to identify the victims and inform their families.

The accident has once again highlighted the risks involved in ferry transportation in the region. Questions are being raised about safety measures, maintenance of pontoons, and proper management at busy ferry terminals like Daulatdia.

Local authorities have promised a full investigation into the incident to find out the exact cause of the accident and to prevent such tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, families of the victims are mourning their loss, and the nation stands united in grief over this heartbreaking event.