Bus skidding at Goalanda ferry terminal: death toll rises to 26 as rescue continues
The death toll has risen to 26 as rescue operations continue following a passenger bus plunged into the Padma river from the Goalanda Ferry Terminal on Wednesday evening. According to the latest official information, 24 bodies have been recovered from inside the bus, of whom eight are men, 11 women, and five children (four boys and one girl). With additional recoveries, the total number of confirmed deaths now stands at 26. Among them, 23 bodies were recovered by Fire Service personnel, two by local residents, and one by a Navy diver.
The accident occurred around 5:20pm on Wednesday when a Dhaka-bound bus of Sauhardya Paribahan, traveling from Kumarkhali in Kushtia, lost control while boarding a ferry and plunged into the river. The vehicle reportedly sank to a depth of nearly 30 feet shortly after the incident. Rescue efforts are being led by the Fire Service and Civil Defence, with support from multiple diving units. One unit from Goalanda and a diving team from Aricha initiated the operation, while additional diving units from Dhaka and Faridpur have joined to intensify the search.
The submerged bus was later lifted using the rescue vessel “Hamza”, operated by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority. Eyewitnesses and survivors reported that five to seven passengers managed to escape immediately after the bus fell into the river. However, the total number of passengers on board remains unconfirmed, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.
Rajbari Deputy Commissioner Sultana Akhter stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has inquired about the incident and instructed authorities to take swift necessary measures. She also confirmed that a high-level investigation committee is being formed, comprising representatives from the district administration, BIWTA, BIWTC, and law enforcement agencies. Rescue operations are still ongoing, and officials say final casualty figures and the exact cause of the accident will be determined after completion of the recovery mission.
