At least 24 people were killed in Bangladesh after a bus carrying dozens plunged into the River Padma, authorities said Thursday.
The bus was traveling from a southwestern district toward the national capital, Dhaka, when it fell into the river while attempting to board a ferry, still tens of miles from Dhaka. Police and the Fire Service and Civil Defence said the vehicle overturned and sank nearly 30 feet (9 meters) into the river.
Reports said the bus was carrying around 40 to 50 people, most returning to work after celebrating the Islamic festival of Eid. Many passengers swam to safety, but others were trapped and drowned, fire official Dewan Sohel Rana said.
Rescue efforts involved four fire service units and 10 divers, supported by the army, police, coast guard and local authorities. A rescue vessel joined late Wednesday to lift the bus. Strong currents and overnight rains disrupted operations.
Fire official Talha Bin Zasim said at least 24 people had died, with 22 bodies recovered from inside the submerged bus — six men, 11 women and five children. Two women later died after being rescued. Local newspaper The Daily Star quoted Rana saying the toll was at least 26. Officials fear others may still be missing.
A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident.
Deadly road and ferry accidents are common in Bangladesh; hundreds of people die in such incidents each year.
Edited by: Alex Berry
According to eyewitnesses, the bus fell into the river after slipping off a ferry. Image: Rubel Karmaker/ZUMA/picture alliance