Bangladesh mourns the loss of 24 lives in a bus plunge into a river

At least 24 people have lost their lives after a passenger bus fell into a river while boarding a ferry in Bangladesh.

Authorities reported that the country is in shock following a tragic incident where a passenger bus with approximately 40 individuals fell into a river, resulting in a minimum of 24 fatalities.

Authorities in Bangladesh have confirmed that at least 24 individuals lost their lives when a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River while trying to board a ferry in the Rajbari district, located approximately 100 km from Dhaka.

On Wednesday, an accident occurred at Daulatdia when the driver allegedly lost control while nearing the ferry, resulting in the bus overturning and sinking nearly 30 feet into the river, as reported by police and fire officials.

Rescue teams retrieved 22 bodies from within the submerged vehicle, comprising six men, 11 women, and five children. Two more women subsequently passed away after being rescued from the water, increasing the death toll to 24.

Emergency responders, comprising four fire service units and 10 divers, spearheaded the operation, receiving assistance from the army, police, coast guard, and local authorities as search efforts progressed.

Authorities indicate that additional passengers may still be unaccounted for as the search continues. The tragedy underscores persistent safety issues, with hundreds of individuals losing their lives annually in road and ferry accidents throughout Bangladesh.