At least 16 people were killed and several others remain missing after a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River while attempting to board a ferry at one of Bangladesh’s busiest river crossings, officials said. The accident took place Wednesday evening at the Dauladia ferry terminal in Rajbari district, where heavy post-Eid travel had crowded the transport hub with passengers heading back to Dhaka. Rescue teams worked overnight under difficult conditions to recover the submerged vehicle and search for survivors, while authorities launched an investigation into the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
According to officials, the Dhaka-bound bus was approaching a ferry from a pontoon around 5:15 pm when it suddenly lost balance and fell into the river. Witnesses said the incident unfolded within seconds, leaving little time for passengers to react. Many were seated inside the vehicle, including children and families returning to the capital after celebrating Eid in their hometowns. Authorities estimated that approximately 40 passengers were on board at the time of the accident.
Emergency services, including fire service divers, coastguard personnel, police, and local volunteers, rushed to the scene immediately after the bus plunged into the water. Initial rescue efforts focused on locating survivors who may have escaped through windows or broken doors. Police and eyewitnesses reported that around 11 passengers managed to swim ashore or were pulled out by nearby boats. However, many others remained trapped inside the bus as it sank quickly beneath the surface.
Fire service official Sohel Rana said divers first recovered the bodies of two women believed to be in their late 50s or early 60s. Search operations continued as visibility underwater remained poor due to muddy river conditions and strong currents. A salvage vessel named Hamza was later deployed to lift the submerged vehicle. After nearly six hours of difficult recovery efforts, the crane-equipped vessel retrieved the bus around midnight. When rescuers opened the vehicle, they discovered 14 more bodies inside, bringing the confirmed death toll to 16.
Rescue operations continued beyond midnight as divers searched for additional missing passengers. Authorities said the number of casualties could change depending on further recovery efforts. Military personnel joined the operation to assist with coordination, while police managed crowds gathered at the terminal. Families of passengers also arrived at the site, anxiously waiting for information about their relatives.
Preliminary accounts indicate that the accident may have been triggered when a smaller utility ferry struck the pontoon just as the bus was moving toward the main ferry. The impact reportedly caused instability on the platform, and the bus driver lost control of the steering. Terminal supervisor Monir Hossain said the vehicle slipped off the edge moments later. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people shouting warnings, but the bus had already tilted and plunged into the river before anyone could intervene.
Doctors at the Dauladia health complex confirmed that two passengers were brought dead to the hospital, while another injured woman received treatment. Survivors described panic as water rushed into the vehicle. Some passengers reportedly escaped because they were standing near the door or outside the bus, while others seated deeper inside were unable to exit in time. Officials said many passengers belonged to the same families, increasing the emotional toll of the tragedy.
The incident has renewed concerns over safety at Bangladesh’s ferry terminals, particularly during peak travel periods such as Eid holidays. Dauladia is one of the country’s busiest river crossings, handling thousands of passengers and vehicles daily. During festive travel seasons, congestion increases significantly, making coordination between ferries, vehicles, and terminal staff more challenging. Experts say proper traffic management, guardrails, and controlled vehicle movement are critical to preventing such accidents.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident. Officials will examine ferry movement coordination, pontoon stability, vehicle positioning, and whether safety protocols were followed. Investigators are also expected to review communication between terminal operators and vessel crews. The findings may lead to stricter safety guidelines for vehicles boarding ferries, especially during high-traffic periods.
Government officials are also working to identify victims and notify their families. Many passengers were reportedly traveling from southwestern districts to Dhaka for work after the holiday period. The accident has affected multiple families, some of whom lost more than one member in the tragedy. Local administrations have begun coordinating support for victims’ relatives as rescue operations continue.
Meanwhile, search teams remain focused on locating missing passengers in the river. Strong currents and limited underwater visibility have slowed progress, but divers are continuing efforts with support from additional equipment. Authorities have urged travelers to follow safety instructions at ferry terminals and avoid crowding during boarding. The tragedy has once again highlighted the risks associated with busy ferry crossings and the need for stronger safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
