A passenger bus heading to Dhaka plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat in Goaland upazila of Rajbari while waiting to cross the river. The हादস occurred around 5:15 pm on Wednesday in front of ferry terminal No. 3. The bus had left Rajbari carrying around 40 passengers.

According to the Fire Service, the bus fell into the river while attempting to board a ferry. A diving team has begun rescue operations, while additional units from Dhaka and Faridpur are on the way.

Witnesses said the bus arrived shortly after 5 pm but missed boarding an earlier ferry and was waiting for the next one. Around 5:15 pm, a small utility ferry named “Hasna Hena” struck the pontoon forcefully. Unable to stay balanced after the impact, the bus slipped off the pontoon and fell into the river.

Officials at the ghat said some passengers managed to come out, but many remained trapped inside the submerged bus. Authorities including BIWTA, BIWTC, and the Fire Service were immediately informed.

Rescue operations are now underway with divers and the salvage vessel “Hamza,” which was already stationed at Daulatdia, taking part in efforts to recover the bus and search for passengers.