Bus sinks 30ft into Padma River at Daulatdia terminal, rescue efforts under way

Rescue operations are under way with the support of BIWTA salvage vessel “Hamza” to raise the submerged bus

Rescue teams have located the bus roughly 30 feet below the water after it lost control and plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia Ferry Terminal in Rajbari.

On Wednesday evening, the Fire Service and Civil Defence deployed divers who found the Dhaka-bound Showhardo Transport bus submerged.

Units from Gopalganj and Aricha fire stations have begun rescue efforts.

Additional diver units from Dhaka and Faridpur are en route to assist.

According to locals and survivors, five to seven passengers managed to escape the bus immediately.

Efforts are ongoing to lift the bus with the support of the BIWTA salvage vessel “Hamza”.

BIWTC Daulatdia AGM Salahuddin said the incident occurred around 5:15pm Wednesday, when the bus lost traction while waiting to board a ferry.

Several videos of the accident have circulated on social media.

A clip shows the bus on the pontoon awaiting the ferry, which was already loaded with passengers and vehicles, before it suddenly slides into the river.

Another video shows bystanders and ferry passengers rushing to help, throwing ropes and life buoys to those floating to safety.