Passenger Bus plunges into river in Bangladesh, killing at least 17

At least 17 people died after a passenger bus carrying more than 50 people fell into a river in Bangladesh, according to officials and local media reports. Search and rescue operations continue for the missing.

The crash happened at about 5:15 p.m. Wednesday at a ferry terminal in the country’s central Rajbari district, southwest of Dhaka, according to Dhaka Tribune. The bus was on a Dhaka-bound route when it fell into the Padma River while trying to board a ferry.

The bus lost control and sank to a depth of about 30 feet. The vehicle was later located underwater and, after midnight, was lifted from the river by a rescue vessel, according to Manab Zamin.

Manab Zamin reported that 17 bodies had been recovered from the bus. The newspaper also said 11 people have been rescued alive.

According to Dhaka Tribune, transport supervisor Md. Monir Hossain said the bus had arrived at the pontoon shortly after 5 p.m. after missing an earlier ferry. He said a utility ferry then struck the pontoon with force, causing the bus to lose control and plunge into the river.

The bus was operated by Souhardo Paribahan, a local transport company, according to Dhaka Tribune. Fire Service and Civil Defence teams, including divers from multiple stations, continue rescue operations for the missing.

WATCH || In Bangladesh, a bus carrying 40–50 passengers fell into the Padma River at Daulatdia ferry terminal after losing control while boarding a ferry. Several escaped, but many are feared trapped as a major rescue operation continues.@DhakaPrasar pic.twitter.com/3WmjcwKQp4

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