Olayiwola Mercy
A commercial bus plunged into the Padma River in Bangladesh, leaving 35 people missing and at least 24 confirmed dead. The accident occurred on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at around 5:15 pm when the bus, carrying around 40 passengers, lost control and fell into the river while attempting to board a ferry at the Daulatdia terminal in Rajbari district.
The bus, which was headed to Dhaka, sank nearly 30 feet into the river, making rescue efforts challenging. Divers and rescue teams, including the fire service, police, and army, were deployed to search for survivors and recover bodies. As of Thursday morning, 24 bodies had been recovered, including 11 women, six men, and five children.
The incident happened when a smaller utility ferry, Hasna Hena, collided with the pontoon, causing the bus to lose control and plunge into the river. Witnesses reported that some passengers managed to swim to safety, while others remained trapped inside the bus.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered an investigation into the accident and is receiving updates on the rescue efforts. The government has also mobilized resources to support the affected families.
The Padma River is one of Bangladesh’s largest waterways, and ferry accidents are common due to overcrowding and poor safety measures. This incident highlights the need for improved safety protocols and infrastructure to prevent such tragedies.
Rescue efforts were hampered by strong currents and rough weather, but teams continued to work overnight to recover bodies and search for survivors. The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are recovered.
The accident has left many families in mourning, with some losing multiple relatives in the tragedy. The government has promised to provide support and assistance to those affected.
