- Victims include ten women and two children; rescue efforts hampered by strong currents and rain
DHAKA, Bangladesh — A bus carrying approximately 50 people crashed into the Padma River in central Bangladesh on Wednesday after veering off a ferry, killing at least 18 passengers, authorities reported Thursday.
The deadly incident occurred in the Rajbari district, roughly 84 kilometers (52 miles) from the capital, Dhaka, according to fire official Dewan Sohel Rana. The bus was en route to the capital from the southwestern Kushtia district, carrying passengers returning home after the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr.
Rescue and Recovery
While many passengers managed to swim to safety following the plunge, others became trapped inside the vehicle. A rescue vessel arrived late Wednesday to recover the submerged bus, with crews working through the night to retrieve bodies. By Thursday morning, 18 victims had been found.
Officials from the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department confirmed that among the deceased were ten women and two children.
Challenging Conditions
Rescue operations were hindered overnight by strong river currents and heavy rainfall, officials said. Authorities have yet to confirm whether any passengers remain unaccounted for.
BY: The Times Union
