A bus operated by Souhardo Paribahan on the Kumarkhali–Rajbari route plunged into the river after losing control while boarding a ferry at Daulatdia ghat in Rajbari, raising fears of multiple casualties.
Eyewitness Hiru Bappi, a photojournalist who was waiting at the ghat with his family, said he was recording a video from the ferry pontoon when the accident happened.
“I was standing on the pontoon filming when I suddenly heard people shouting. As I looked up, I saw the bus leave the pontoon and plunge rapidly into the water,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
The accident occurred around 5:15 pm on Wednesday when the bus fell into the river while attempting to board a ferry from pontoon No. 3. Rescue vessel Hamza has already reached the scene.
Bappi added that the bus was fully packed with passengers, as tickets were scarce amid the post-Eid travel rush.
According to eyewitnesses, river police, and local sources, the bus was carrying around 40 passengers when it fell into the river while boarding the ferry from the pontoon.
Fire Service divers began rescue operations after being alerted. So far, two people have been rescued alive, while efforts are ongoing to locate others.
