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Bangladesh: At least 24 killed after bus plunges into river (VIDEO)

Webdunia | March 26, 2026 5:40 PM CST

At least 24 people were killed in Bangladesh after a bus carrying dozens plunged into a major river, authorities said on Thursday.

The accident took place when the bus was traveling from a southwestern district to the national capital, Dhaka.

It fell into the River Padma while attempting to board a ferry, still tens of miles away from Dhaka.

‌The bus overturned and sank nearly 30 feet (9 meters) into the river, according ‌to police and the Fire Service and ‌Civil Defence.

The bus was carrying around 40 to 50 people, according to reports, most of whom were returning to work after celebrating the Islamic festival of Eid.

Rescue operations hampered by rain

Many of the passengers swam to safety but others were trapped in the bus and eventually drowned, said fire official Dewan Sohel Rana.

Rescue efforts were led by four fire service units ‌and 10 divers, supported by the army, police, coast guard and local authorities. A rescue vessel joined the operation late on Wednesday to lift the bus.

Even then, strong currents and rains disrupted the rescue operations overnight.

Another fire official, Talha Bin Zasim said at least 24 people had died and 22 of those were found inside the submerged bus. That includes six men, 11 women and five children. Another two women died after they were rescued, Zasim said.

Meanwhile, local Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star quoted Rana saying at least 26 people had died. Officials fear that others may still be missing.

Local media reported that a five-member committee had been formed to investigate the incident.

Such deadly incidents are not uncommon in Bangladesh, with hundreds of people dying in road and ferry accidents every year.