A tragic accident in Bangladesh has left at least 24 people dead after a bus carrying dozens plunged into the River Padma. The incident occurred when the bus, traveling from a southwestern district to the national capital, Dhaka, attempted to board a ferry but fell into the river. According to police and the Fire Service and Civil Defence, the bus overturned and sank nearly 30 feet (9 meters) into the water.

The bus was reportedly carrying around 40 to 50 people, most of whom were returning to work after celebrating the Islamic festival of Eid. Fire official Dewan Sohel Rana stated that many passengers swam to safety, but others were trapped inside the bus and drowned. Rescue efforts were led by four fire service units and 10 divers, supported by the army, police, coast guard, and local authorities, with a rescue vessel joining the operation late on Wednesday to lift the bus.

Strong currents and rains disrupted the rescue operations overnight. Another fire official, Talha Bin Zasim, confirmed that at least 24 people had died, with 22 found inside the submerged bus, including six men, 11 women, and five children. Two more women died after being rescued. Meanwhile, local newspaper The Daily Star quoted Rana as saying at least 26 people had died, and officials fear others may still be missing.

Local media reported that a five-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident. Such deadly accidents are not uncommon in Bangladesh, where hundreds of people die in road and ferry accidents every year.

Source: www.dw.com