Bus Plunges into Padma River, Four Bodies Recovered
Goalanda, Bangladesh – Tragedy struck at Daulatdia Ghat in Goalanda Upazila on Wednesday afternoon when a passenger bus veered off a pontoon and plunged into the Padma River. Rescuers have since recovered four bodies from the submerged vehicle, with efforts ongoing to locate any further victims and to lift the bus from the riverbed.
The incident occurred around 5:15 pm as the 40-seater bus, operated by Showhardo Paribahan, was waiting for a ferry at Ghat No. 3. According to Tanmoy Ahmed, the counter master for Showhardo Paribahan, the bus had departed its originating point around 2:30 pm with eight passengers. As the journey progressed, additional passengers boarded at various stops: seven at Khoksa, four at Machpara, and fifteen at Pangsha. This brought the total number of individuals on board, including the driver and helper, to approximately 50.
The catastrophic event unfolded when a utility ferry, identified as Hasna Hena, unexpectedly collided with the pontoon. The force of the impact destabilized the pontoon, causing the bus to lose its footing and fall into the Padma River.
Md. Monir Hossain, who is in charge of the ghat, described the chaotic moments following the collision. He stated that while a number of passengers were able to escape the rapidly sinking bus, many found themselves trapped inside.
Emergency services were immediately mobilized. As of late Wednesday night, around 11:30 pm, rescuers had managed to recover four bodies from the wreckage. Two of the deceased have been identified as Rehena Akhter and Morjina Begum. The identities of the other two victims remain unconfirmed due to the circumstances of their recovery.
Injured passengers have been transported to local medical facilities. Currently, two individuals are receiving treatment at the Daulatdia Upazila Health Complex, while another passenger is being treated at home.
The focus of the rescue operation has now shifted to recovering the bus itself and ensuring no other individuals are unaccounted for. Station Officer Talha bin Zashim of the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) confirmed that the bus has been located. The FSCD, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), is coordinating efforts to lift the submerged vehicle using BIWTA’s rescue vessel, Hamza. The complex operation is expected to take considerable time and resources.
The incident has raised questions about the safety protocols and infrastructure at Daulatdia Ghat, a crucial riverine crossing point. Investigations into the exact cause of the ferry’s collision with the pontoon are likely to follow. The community awaits further updates on the recovery efforts and the full extent of the tragedy.
The recovery operation continued into the night, with emergency personnel working under challenging conditions to bring closure to the affected families.
The submerged bus, a stark reminder of the suddenness of the disaster, remains a focal point for the ongoing rescue efforts.
Local authorities have assured that all possible measures are being taken to expedite the recovery and to provide support to the victims and their families.
