RAJBARI DISTRICT — A bus carrying about 50 people plunged into the River Padma while driving onto a ferry in Rajbari district, Bangladesh, killing at least 18 people, according to fire official Dewan Sohel Rana. The accident occurred Wednesday afternoon as the bus was traveling to the capital, Dhaka, from the southwestern district of Kushtia.
Ten women and two children were among the dead, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department. Many passengers swam to safety after the accident but others were trapped, according to Rana.
The trip took place as people returned to work after the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr, according to Rana. The bus was in the process of boarding a ferry when it plunged into the river.
A rescue vessel joined the operation late Wednesday and lifted the bus, according to Rana. Strong currents and rains disrupted the rescue operations overnight, according to Rana. Rescuers worked overnight to recover bodies and by Thursday morning had found 18 bodies, according to Rana.
The River Padma is a major river in central Bangladesh. Rajbari district is located about 84 kilometers from Dhaka. Kushtia is a southwestern district of Bangladesh.