Bus plunges into river in Bangladesh, dozens feared dead

At least 26 bodies have been recovered after a bus fell into the Padma River yesterday while attempting to board a ferry in Daulatdia, Rajbari district, Bangladesh, authorities report.

The victims include 11 women, 8 men, and 7 children, with 22 bodies already handed over to their families, according to The Daily Star.

Divan Sohel Rana, Deputy Director of the Rajbari Fire Service and Civil Defence, said rescue operations are ongoing. Four units, including 10 divers, are participating in the search with support from the army, police, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTC), the Coast Guard, and the local administration.

To investigate the cause of the accident, the district administration has formed a five-member committee led by Deputy District Magistrate Uchen Mey. The panel includes representatives from the police, BIWTC, fire service, and the Goalanda district administration. The committee is expected to submit its report to the Deputy Commissioner within three working days.