At least 18 people have died after a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River from a pontoon at Daulatdia ferry terminal in Goaland upazila, Rajbari.
The accident occurred around 5:15pm Wednesday when a Dhaka-bound bus, which had started its journey from Kumarkhali in Kushtia, lost control while waiting to cross the river and fell into the water.
Witnesses said the bus was carrying at least 50 passengers after picking up travelers from various counters along the route.
Rescue ship Hamza pulled the submerged bus out of the river six hours later.
Around 11:15pm, part of the vehicle became visible, and by 11:30pm the entire bus was lifted using the ship’s crane.
The Fire Service reported that 16 bodies were recovered from inside the bus late Wednesday night, including two children, 10 women, and four men.
Earlier, Rajbari district administration officials had confirmed 14 bodies.
Two more passengers rescued earlier were declared dead at Goaland Upazila Health Complex, bringing the total death toll to 18.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, while rescue teams remain on site to search for any missing passengers.