Bangladesh Ferry Disaster: Bus Plunges into Padma River, 26 Dead
A passenger bus carrying around 40-50 people plunged into Bangladesh's Padma River from a ferry pontoon at Daulatdia Terminal on March 25, 2026. The tragic accident, which occurred during Eid holiday returns, initially reported 23 fatalities, later increasing to at least 26 as rescue operations continued. Authorities are investigating the cause.
Key Highlights
- Bus plunged into Padma River at Daulatdia Ferry Terminal.
- Incident occurred on March 25, 2026, around 5:00-5:15 PM.
- Initial reports cited 23 deaths, later updated to 26.
- Around 40-50 passengers were on board the bus.
- Rescue operations were carried out by multiple agencies.
- Cause under investigation; bus lost control or pontoon struck.
A devastating incident occurred on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, when a passenger bus tragically plunged into the Padma River at the Daulatdia Ferry Terminal in Bangladesh's Rajbari district. The accident, which happened around 5:00 PM to 5:15 PM, resulted in a significant loss of life, with initial reports indicating 23 fatalities. However, as rescue operations progressed and more bodies were recovered, the death toll subsequently rose to at least 26 people, including women and children.
The Dhaka-bound bus, operated by Shouharda Paribahan, was carrying approximately 40 to 50 passengers. Many of these passengers were reportedly returning to the capital after celebrating the Eid holidays, making the tragedy even more poignant for the affected families.
The incident took place near ferry terminal number 3. According to various accounts, the bus was either attempting to board a ferry or was already positioned on the pontoon when it lost control and veered into the turbulent waters of the Padma River. Some eyewitnesses and officials suggested that a smaller utility ferry named 'Hasna Hena' might have struck the pontoon with force, causing the bus driver to lose control and plunge into the river. Other reports simply stated that the bus lost control while approaching the ferry. The bus sank to a considerable depth, reportedly between 30 to 80 feet, complicating rescue efforts.
Prompt rescue operations were launched immediately after the accident. Teams from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, river police, navy, army, and coast guard were mobilized to the scene. Divers worked tirelessly in challenging conditions, including darkness as night fell, to locate the submerged bus and retrieve victims. The rescue vessel 'Hamza' played a crucial role, managing to pull the sunken bus out of the river several hours later, by approximately 11:30 PM on Wednesday night.
As the bus was lifted, more bodies were discovered, leading to the updated casualty figures. While some passengers managed to swim ashore or were rescued alive, many were found trapped inside the vehicle. Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded at the Daulatdia ferry terminal as tearful relatives gathered, desperately awaiting news of their loved ones. The government of Bangladesh has reportedly assigned a panel of experts to investigate the exact cause of the accident and to ensure accountability.
This tragic event has once again highlighted concerns regarding safety measures at busy ferry terminals and on waterways in Bangladesh, where such accidents are unfortunately not uncommon. The incident has garnered significant attention in India, a neighboring country, due to its regional relevance and the shared cultural context, including the observance of Eid holidays. News outlets across India extensively covered the disaster, providing real-time updates and expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. The article from The Times of India, stating '23 dead,' was accurate at the time of its publication, reflecting the initial reports, though later updates from other credible sources indicated a higher death toll.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Daulatdia Ferry Terminal in Bangladesh?
A passenger bus carrying approximately 40-50 people plunged into the Padma River from a ferry pontoon at the Daulatdia Ferry Terminal in Rajbari district, Bangladesh, on the evening of March 25, 2026.
How many people died in the bus accident?
While initial reports, including The Times of India article, cited 23 deaths, the casualty count was later updated to at least 26 fatalities as more bodies were recovered during the rescue operations.
When did the bus accident occur?
The tragic incident took place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, around 5:00 PM to 5:15 PM local time.
What caused the bus to fall into the river?
The bus reportedly lost control while attempting to board a ferry from the pontoon. Some reports suggest that a smaller utility ferry may have struck the pontoon, causing the bus to veer off and plunge into the Padma River.
Were there any survivors from the accident?
Yes, some passengers managed to swim ashore, and a few were rescued alive, though a significant number were tragically trapped inside the submerged bus.