2 women dead as bus plunges into Padma at Daulatdia

Published : Wednesday, 25 March, 2026 at 9:43 PM Count : 10

Rescuers recovered two bodies from inside the bus that plunged into the Padma river in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila this afternoon.

According to police and local sources, 11 passengers were able to swim to safety.

Maruf Hasan, a doctor of Daulatdai Upazila Health Complex, said two women were brought dead while another woman, who is a doctor at Square hospital in Dhaka, received treatment.

The deceased were identified as Rehena Begum, 60, and Marjina Begum, 55, confirmed Resident Medical Officer of Goalanda Upazila Health Complex Dr Md Shariful Islam.

Earlier, Dewan Sohel Rana, deputy assistant director of Rajbari Fire Service, said they rescued two unconscious individuals and sent them to local hospital.

Md Monir Hossain, transport supervisor at Daulatdia ferry ghat, said the bus arrived at pontoon number 3 shortly after 5:00pm. At that time, a ferry carrying vehicles departed for Paturia in Manikganj. Unable to board, the bus waited for another ferry.

Around 5:15pm, a small utility ferry named Hasna Hena struck the pontoon with force. The impact caused the bus to lose control and fall into the river.

“Right before our eyes, the bus fell into the river, but we could do nothing,” Monir said. He added that while some passengers managed to swim ashore, most remained trapped inside.

“Fire Service diving teams are working to rescue the passengers. Additional diving teams are being sent from the Dhaka headquarters,” the Fire Service Media Wing said.

Rajbari Fire Service’s deputy assistant director Dewan Sohel Rana said they already located the bus and rescue vessel Hamza is trying to recover it, but but adverse weather conditions delayed the start of the recovery operation.

Quoting a passenger, the fire official said they came to know that at least 40 passengers were on board during the accident.

Local residents also gathered at the ghat and initiated initial rescue efforts.

Sohel Rana confirmed that divers from Paturia and Aricha ghats have joined the rescue operation. Police, army, naval police, and fire service personnel are engaged in rescue efforts. Senior officials, including the district commissioner, superintendent of police, and Goalanda upazila executive officer, are present at the site.

FP/MI