Bus plunges into river in Bangladesh, killing at least 23

At least 23 people have died and several others remain missing after a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River while attempting to board a ferry in southwestern Bangladesh, officials said, as rescue operations continued following the incident on Wednesday.

The accident occurred at Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari district at around 5:15 p.m. local time on 25 March 2026, when a Dhaka-bound bus operated by Souhardo Paribahan fell from pontoon number three into the river.

According to officials and witnesses cited by local media, the bus lost control after a utility ferry struck the pontoon.

“Shortly after 5pm, the Souhardo Paribahan bus arrived at pontoon number 3… Around 5:15 pm, a utility ferry named ‘Hasna Hena’ arrived and struck the pontoon forcefully. The impact caused the bus to lose control and fall into the Padma River,” terminal supervisor Monir Hossain said.

Death toll rises after salvage operation

Initial reports on Wednesday confirmed two deaths and dozens missing. The toll rose significantly after the submerged bus was recovered hours later.

“(Salvage vessel) Hamza retrieved the bus with its cranes and 14 bodies were found inside,” fire service official Sohel Rana told reporters, according to NDTV.

He added that divers had earlier recovered two bodies before the bus was lifted around midnight after six hours of efforts in rough weather.

By Thursday, at least 23 bodies had been recovered, with authorities warning that some victims may still be unaccounted for.

Dozens feared missing

Officials estimated the bus was carrying between 40 and 50 passengers, including several families, many believed to be returning to Dhaka after Eid holidays.

Fire service authorities earlier said at least 35 people were missing, while around 10 to 11 passengers managed to escape or were rescued.

Witnesses said several passengers were able to get out in the early moments, but most were unable to escape before the vehicle sank to a depth of around 30 feet beneath the pontoon.

Rescue efforts hampered by weather

Rescue operations involving fire service units, navy personnel, police and specialist divers were slowed by heavy rain, strong winds and poor visibility.

“We have recovered 23 dead bodies so far. There may be some still missing,” police inspector Russel Mollah told ANI, adding that operations were temporarily paused overnight due to darkness but would resume in daylight.

Officials said the bus was lodged beneath the pontoon, with damaged doors and windows complicating access for divers.

Grief and frustration at the scene

Relatives gathered along the riverbank at Daulatdia ferry terminal as rescue teams searched for victims, with many expressing frustration over delays.

The rescue vessel Hamza did not begin full-scale operations until around 8 p.m., hours after the incident.

Survivors described the moment the bus fell into the river.

“Right before our eyes, the bus fell into the river, but we could do nothing,” Monir Hossain told NDTV.

One survivor said he managed to swim ashore but watched his wife and child disappear beneath the water, while another passenger, Abdul Azizul, said he survived by swimming to safety but his family remained missing.

Investigation ordered

Authorities said an investigation had been ordered into the incident.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman contacted local officials to receive updates on the salvage operation and instructed them to investigate the cause of the accident.

Rescue efforts were ongoing, with officials warning that casualty figures could change as operations continue.