Bus sinks in Bangladesh river, killing 26 people

A tragic accident in central Bangladesh has claimed the lives of at least 26 people after a bus carrying approximately 50 passengers plunged into the Padma River. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in the Rajbari District, roughly 84 kilometers from the capital city of Dhaka, as the vehicle was attempting to board a ferry.

Local government administrator Sultana Akhter confirmed the death toll on Thursday, noting that the victims included eleven women and five children. Authorities began the somber process of handing over the remains to grieving families as the recovery operation concluded. The passengers were reportedly traveling from the southwestern district of Kushtia, returning to work in the capital following the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr.

The rescue effort, led by the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department, faced significant challenges overnight due to heavy rains and the river's strong currents. While many passengers managed to swim to safety immediately after the plunge, others became trapped inside the submerged vehicle. A specialized rescue vessel arrived late Wednesday to lift the bus from the water, allowing divers to recover those who had remained stuck inside.

While the exact cause of the plunge is still under investigation, road and ferry boarding accidents are a frequent and deadly occurrence in Bangladesh, where thousands lose their lives annually due to infrastructure and safety challenges. It remains unclear if any passengers are still missing, but officials have worked through the night to ensure all victims were accounted for.