Tragedy at Daulatdia: Two Dead as Bus Plunges into Padma

A sombre atmosphere has enveloped the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari following a catastrophic accident on Wednesday afternoon. A passenger bus, stationary and awaiting transit, was forced into the depths of the Padma River, resulting in at least two confirmed fatalities and leaving several others feared missing.

The Sequence of Events

At approximately 5:15 pm, a Souhardya Paribahan coach arrived at Pontoon No. 3, destined for Dhaka. Having narrowly missed the previous ferry to Paturia, the driver was positioned on the terminal ramp, waiting for the next vessel.

Witnesses report that a utility ferry, named the Hasna Hena, approached the terminal with excessive force. Upon docking, the ferry struck the pontoon with such impact that the vibration and subsequent shift caused the bus to lose its footing. Unable to regain control, the vehicle slid backwards off the terminal and submerged into the rain-swollen waters of the Padma.

Casualties and Medical Response

Local authorities and emergency services acted swiftly, though the weather conditions proved a significant adversary. Dr. Md. Maruf Hossain, the Health and Family Planning Officer for Goalandu Upazila, confirmed that three individuals were initially pulled from the water and rushed to the local health complex.

While Dr. Nusrat remains under close observation, the loss of Rehena and Morjina Begum has cast a pall over the local community. Concerns remain high for the remaining passengers; terminal supervisor Md. Monir Hossain noted that while some managed to swim to safety, nearly 40 passengers, including women and children, were estimated to be on board at the time of the plunge.

Salvage Operations Hampered by Weather

The rescue vessel Hamza reached the site shortly after the incident and has successfully located the submerged coach. However, the mission is currently fraught with difficulty. Heavy torrential rain and gale-force winds have churned the river, making it treacherous for divers to enter the water or for the crane to stabilise the wreckage.

“The bus vanished before our eyes,” Monir Hossain recounted. “The force of the ferry strike was so immense that there was no time to react. We are terrified for those who couldn’t break free from the cabin.”

As night falls, the focus remains on the recovery of those still trapped within the bus. Local administration has promised a full inquiry into the docking procedures of the Hasna Hena to determine if negligence or mechanical failure led to the fatal collision with the pontoon.