Rescuers and divers were deployed on Thursday (March 26) to search the Padma River after a bus carrying 40 people plunged into the water while attempting to board a ferry in Bangladesh, killing at least 24, authorities said.

The accident happened on Wednesday (March 25) near Daulatdia in Rajbari district, about 100 km (62 miles) from Dhaka, when the bus lost control as it approached the ferry, police and the Fire Service and Civil Defence said. The vehicle overturned before sinking approximately 30 feet (9 m) into the river.

Rescuers recovered 22 bodies from inside the submerged bus, including six men, 11 women and five children, Fire Service official Talha Bin Zasim said.

Twenty-four people have been confirmed dead so far, including two women who died after being rescued, he said.

Four fire service units and 10 divers were leading the search and rescue efforts, supported by the army, police, coast guard and local authorities.

Officials fear more passengers may still be missing. Hundreds of people die each year in road and ferry accidents in Bangladesh.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: RAJBARI, BANGLADESH (MARCH 26, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. DIVER JUMPING INTO RIVER

2. DIVER PREPARING TO GO UNDER WATER

3. RESCUERS LIFTING BODY BAG FROM BOAT

4. RESCUERS CARRYING BODY BAG

5. MAN CRYING

6. VARIOUS OF MILITARY PERSONNEL WALKING

7. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE STANDING NEAR WATER

8. SEARCH AND RESCUE PERSONNEL AND OTHERS ONBOARD BOATS

9. PEOPLE GATHERING / LOOKING OUT TO WATER

10. PEOPLE ON BOATS IN WATER

11. AMBULANCE REVERSING AT HOSPITAL

12. PEOPLE UNLOADING BODIES FROM AMBULANCE

13. SIGN READING (Bengali): "RAJBARI DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS HOSPITAL"

14. WOMEN LOOKING THROUGH GATE INSIDE HOSPITAL

15. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE LOADING BODIES ONTO AMBULANCE

16. AMBULANCE DRIVING AWAY

17. AMBULANCES PARKED

18. PEOPLE SITTING NEAR PARKED AMBULANCE