At least two people have died after a passenger bus carrying around 40 people plunged into the Padma River from a pontoon at Daulatdia ferry ghat in Rajbari this afternoon (25 March) while attempting to board a ferry.
The incident occurred at around 5:15pm at pontoon No 3, when the Souhardo Paribahan bus lost control, overturned, and sank to an estimated depth of 30 feet, according to the Fire Service.
The deceased have been identified as Rehena Begum, 60, a resident of Bhabanipur area in Rajbari, and Marjina Begum, 55, whose detailed identity could not be immediately confirmed.
A woman named Nusrat, 29, a doctor by profession, is currently undergoing treatment.
Goaland Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Md Maruf Hossain confirmed the casualties, saying three people were rescued and taken to the hospital, where two were declared dead, and one is receiving treatment.
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Fire Service officials said the submerged bus has been located underwater. One unit from Goalanda Fire Station and a diving unit from Aricha Fire Station are currently conducting rescue operations, while two additional diving units from Dhaka and Faridpur are being dispatched to the scene.
Trinath Saha, in-charge of Daulatdia River Police Outpost, said in the evening, “There were around 40 passengers on the bus. The rescue vessel Hamza has begun operations. So far, two people have been rescued alive.”
“Fire Service divers are working at the scene, and more diving teams are being sent from the headquarters in Dhaka,” said Talha Bin Jasim, media officer at the Fire Service headquarters.
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