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23 Dead After Bus Carrying 50 Passengers Plunges Into River In Bangladesh
Curated By : Aveek Banerjee News18.com
Last Updated: March 26, 2026, 06:22 IST

At least 23 people were killed after a bus carrying about 50 passengers plunged into a river in the Bangladeshi capital on Wednesday. The bus was travelling from the southwestern district of Rajbari and was attempting to get onto a transport ferry when the accident occurred.

Police told news agency ANI that at least 23 bodies had been recovered so far, and some people were missing. “Since it is night, the rescue operation is somewhat paused, but a combined rescue operation is ongoing, with various forces—fire service, navy, police, and other groups—conducting the rescue," said inspector Russel Mollah.

The Dhaka-bound bus fell from a pontoon while attempting to board a ferry around 5:15 pm (local time), according to local reports. Several passengers managed to escape moments after the accident, but most were unable to get out before the vehicle submerged.

Witnesses said the bus was carrying at least 50 passengers after picking up travellers from various counters along the route. Rescue ship Hamza pulled the submerged bus out of the river six hours after the accident, as per Dhaka Tribune.

Tearful relatives gathered along the banks of the Padma River near the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari on Wednesday evening, clinging to hope as rescue teams searched for survivors after a passenger bus plunged into the river.

According to the Rajbari district administration officials, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called them to know salvage campaign updates and ordered investigation into the accident.

olice and witnesses earlier said about 11 passengers managed to swim ashore or were rescued but most others remained missing. “When the bus was heading towards the ferry from the pontoon, another smaller utility ferry hit the pontoon. It plunged into the river as the bus driver lost control of the steering," the terminal’s supervisor Monir Hossain said.

(with inputs from agencies)