Twin investigations launched into deadly Daulatdia Ferry Terminal disaster

Both probe bodies have been given three days to submit their reports

Authorities have launched two separate investigations into the bus accident at Rajbari’s Daulatdia Ferry Terminal, in which the death toll has surged to 26.

Rajbari district Deputy Commissioner Sultana Akter announced the formation of the inquiry committees on Thursday.

One of the probes will be conducted by the Rajbari district administration. A three-member team has been directed to submit its findings within three working days.

The Ministry of Shipping has constituted a five-member body, which is also expected to report back within the same three-day timeframe.

The disaster, which occurred around 5:15pm on Wednesday at No. 3 ferry ghat, claimed the lives of 11 women, eight men, and seven children.

The bus had plummeted nearly 50 feet into the river.

While three passengers were rescued shortly after the plunge, the majority of the victims were found inside the vehicle once it was lifted to the surface by the BIWTA salvage vessel ‘Hamza’.

As of Thursday afternoon, the bodies of 25 victims have been handed over to their families from Rajbari Sadar Hospital. One victim from Dinajpur remains in the morgue awaiting relatives.

The victims hailed from across the country, including Rajbari, Gopalganj, Dinajpur, Kushtia, Jhenaidah, and Dhaka.