Four Dead, 41 Missing After Bus Sinks at Daulatdia Ferry Terminal

A tragic accident occurred at the Daulatdia Ferry Ghat in Gopalganj, Rajbari, when a passenger bus plunged from the pontoon into the Padma River on Wednesday afternoon. The incident has so far claimed the lives of two women, while another remains hospitalised in critical condition. Rescue operations have been hampered by heavy rain and strong winds, complicating efforts to recover those still trapped.

The deceased have been identified as Rehena Begum, 60, a resident of Bhabanipur, Rajbari, and Marzina Begum, 55, whose full details are yet to be confirmed. Nursrat, 29, a practicing physician, is receiving treatment at Gopalganj Upazila Health Complex following the accident. According to Dr Maruf Hossain, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, three individuals were initially rescued and transported to the hospital; two were found deceased on arrival, and one is under medical care.

The accident took place at approximately 5:15 pm when a Dhaka-bound bus from Souhardya Transport was waiting to board a ferry to cross the Padma River. At that moment, a ferry departing for Paturia, Manikganj, had just left, and the bus was waiting for the next ferry. Suddenly, the utility ferry Hasna Hena collided forcefully with the pontoon, causing the bus driver to lose control, resulting in the vehicle plunging into the river.

Monir Hossain, the ferry ghat supervisor, described the horrifying scene: “The bus fell into the river right before our eyes, but we could do nothing to prevent it. There were at least 40 passengers, including women and children, onboard. Some managed to escape, but the majority remain trapped inside.”

Rescue operations commenced immediately with the deployment of the vessel Hamza, which has since located the submerged bus. However, persistent rain and gusty winds have slowed the recovery efforts, raising concerns for the safety of remaining passengers. Authorities have called for additional diving teams and equipment to expedite the rescue mission.

The following table summarises the preliminary details of the incident:

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. The accident has drawn attention to the safety protocols at the busy Daulatdia Ghat, one of the country’s main ferry crossings, and raised urgent calls for stricter regulation of river transport during adverse weather conditions. The death toll could rise if trapped passengers are not rescued promptly.

The incident underscores the persistent risks associated with pontoon-based river crossings in Bangladesh, particularly during monsoon conditions, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures and emergency preparedness.