Society News

Bus plunges into the Padma River while boarding a ferry in Bangladesh, killing at least 26

A passenger bus carrying about 50 people plunged into the Padma River in Rajbari district, about 84 km from Dhaka, while driving onto a ferry on Wednesday afternoon, March 25, The Associated Press reported. Authorities said at least 26 people died, including 11 women and five children, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department, in an AP report carried by Vietnam's VnExpress International.

The bus was travelling from Kushtia to Dhaka as people returned to work after Eid al-Fitr. Fire official Dewan Sohel Rana said many passengers swam to safety while others were trapped. Strong currents and rain disrupted rescue work overnight, until a rescue vessel lifted the bus late on Wednesday. Local administrator Sultana Akhter confirmed the toll, and bodies were being returned to families on Thursday. CTV News, carrying AP, reported relatives gathering at Rajbari Government Hospital.

Malaysia's The Star placed the accident at Daulatdia and said the bus lost control as it approached the ferry. AP noted that thousands of people die on Bangladesh's roads each year.

How each outlet framed it

• AP / VnExpress — the rescue, the victims and the Eid travel rush.
• CTV News — a short AP version focused on the toll and grieving families.
• The Star — a brief early report of how the bus went into the water.

Where the numbers differ: The Star reported at least 24 dead and about 40 passengers; AP gave at least 26 and about 50. AP said it was unclear whether anyone was still missing.