Courtesy of Viory.Video
At least 18 people were killed when a passenger bus carrying dozens of people plunged into a river in Rajbari District, central Bangladesh, on Wednesday, with many more feared missing.
Rescue teams have recovered 18 bodies so far, while 11 passengers managed to swim to safety. Authorities warned the death toll could rise as search operations continue.
The bus, reportedly carrying between 50 and 60 people, veered off a rural road and fell into the Padma River near Daulatdia Ferry Ghat at around 5 pm.
Among the dead were 13 women and five men, according to initial reports. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though witnesses pointed to possible speeding and poor road conditions.
“There were three of us sitting here. After one ferry left the pier, another arrived. I don’t know who was driving, but the car could not be controlled after it started,” said eyewitness Ariful Islam.
A Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) employee, Alauddin, said the vehicle appeared to lose control due to excessive speed.
“The car started through the roadside, and when the gear was shifted, it jumped forward. The ferry’s railing broke, and the bus overturned into the river,” he said.
Relatives gathered at the scene as rescue efforts continued into the night.
“My wife was in the car as she was sick. I jumped into the river after seeing her float up […] I saw blood pouring from her eyes, nose and ears,” said Gias Uddin.
Emergency teams, including fire services, police and military personnel, deployed boats and divers to search for passengers believed to be trapped inside the submerged vehicle.
Authorities have not yet released a full passenger list, complicating efforts to determine how many people were on board.
Two investigation committees have been set up by local authorities and BIWTA to determine the cause of the crash.
Article and Video Courtesy of Viory.Video
