Bus plunges into Padma; passengers safe due to policy.
A major tragedy was averted today when a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia ferry terminal in
Rajbari district after all passengers had been asked to disembark before boarding the ferry in line with a government safety directive.
Officials concerned said the incident demonstrated the effectiveness of the Ministry of Shipping's decision requiring passengers to get off buses and
other public transport vehicles before ferry crossings.
According to the ministry, the accident occurred around 9:30 am when an SB Super Deluxe bus travelling from Kushtia entered the convention pocket area
to board ferry "Kabari" at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat No. 7.
While attempting to board the ferry, the bus reportedly lost control, broke through a ramp barrier on the opposite side and plunged into the Padma River.
However, no passenger casualties were reported as all passengers had already disembarked and boarded the ferry separately following instructions from
local authorities and law enforcement personnel stationed at the terminal.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Shipping said the driver and helper of the bus were rescued immediately after the accident and sent to a nearby hospital
for treatment.
Daulatdia River Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Trinath Saha told BSS that police members deployed at the ferry terminal had ensured that all passengers
got off the bus before it proceeded toward the ferry.
"Shortly afterwards, the bus broke through the ferry barrier and fell into the river. The driver and helper were rescued and sent to hospital," he said.
Following the incident, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) launched rescue operations. Salvage vessel Hamza has been dispatched
to recover the submerged bus, while a team of divers has already begun rescue and recovery work.
A BIWTA member (Engineering) is supervising and monitoring the overall operation at the site, officials said.
The authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident and taken necessary measures to recover the vehicle.
Officials said no reports of passenger or other casualties had been received, so far, and the situation remained fully under control.
The Ministry of Shipping noted that the directive introduced under Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam to require passengers to disembark before ferry
crossings has significantly enhanced safety and helped prevent loss of life in the Daulatdia incident.
The ministry said strict enforcement of the safety measure would continue at ferry terminals across the country to ensure passenger safety during river
crossings.
