At least 24 people have been confirmed dead and six remain missing after a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia Ghat in Bangladesh. The accident occurred on March 25, 2026, as the bus attempted to board a ferry, falling roughly 30 feet into the river. Initial reports indicate that between 40 and 50 passengers were aboard, including women and children, with rescuers continuing to search for those unaccounted for.

Video footage from the scene shows the red bus tipping over the dock edge and sinking within 20 seconds, with passengers scrambling through windows to escape. Bystanders quickly intervened, using ropes, life rings, and improvised aids to pull at least 11 survivors from the turbulent and polluted current. The chaotic rescue underscores both the suddenness of the incident and the challenges posed by the river’s strong currents.

Authorities and local volunteers are continuing recovery operations, with divers deployed to locate those still missing. The tragedy highlights the recurring risks associated with ferry boarding points in Bangladesh, where overloaded vehicles and inadequate infrastructure often lead to accidents. Officials have promised a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the plunge.

This incident is part of a broader pattern in Bangladesh, which sees more than 20,000 road fatalities annually, according to WHO data. Similar bus accidents on the Padma River have occurred in recent years, including a 2024 plunge that claimed 15 lives. Experts cite systemic issues such as poor safety enforcement, insufficient ferry ramps, and overcrowding as key factors contributing to these recurring tragedies.

The Padma River accident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of transportation lapses in Bangladesh. While immediate rescue efforts have saved lives, long-term solutions will require strengthened infrastructure, better vehicle regulation, and more stringent safety protocols to prevent future disasters.