A passenger bus of Souhardya Paribahan plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila on Wednesday evening after losing control. The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. when a small ferry named ‘Hasna Hena’ hit the pontoon, causing the bus to fall into the river. By 11 p.m., six hours after the accident, the rescue ship Hamza had not yet been able to retrieve the submerged vehicle.

Rajbari Superintendent of Police Mohammad Manjur Morshed said the bus had been located about 50 feet underwater, with ropes attached to one side and efforts underway to secure the other side before lifting it. He noted that bad weather was hampering the operation. Six to seven passengers reportedly swam to safety, while four others were rescued; two of them, all women, died at the hospital, one remains under treatment, and another left after primary care.

According to the terminal supervisor, the bus was traveling from Kumarkhali to Dhaka with about 50 passengers, including women and children. Additional diving units from Faridpur, Aricha, and Dhaka were dispatched to assist the ongoing rescue.