At Least 23 Dead After Passenger Bus Plunges into Padma River in Bangladesh

Authorities in Bangladesh have confirmed that at least 23 people have died after a passenger bus fell into the Padma River. The incident occurred yesterday in the Rajbari district in the southwest of the country, and search operations for the missing continue.

According to reports from the Hindustan Times, the bus was carrying around 50 passengers and lost control while attempting to maneuver past a ship, causing it to plunge into the river. Some passengers reportedly managed to save themselves by swimming, but many others became trapped inside the bus.

Officials have confirmed that among the victims are 11 women, 8 children, and 4 men. The presence of children among the deceased has raised concerns about the safety standards of public transportation.

Rescue forces, working alongside police and the Bangladesh military, are deployed at the scene and efforts to retrieve the bus and locate missing persons are ongoing. Local authorities have also announced the formation of an investigation committee to determine the exact cause of the accident.