Daulatdia Bus Tragedy: Death Toll Reaches 26; Rescue Operations on Standby

A total of 26 bodies have been recovered so far—23 were found shortly after the bus was salvaged on Wednesday night, and three additional victims were located this morning. The deceased include seven men, 11 women, and eight children. The accident occurred when a Dhaka-bound "Souhardo Paribahan" bus, carrying approximately 50 passengers, plunged into the Padma River after a utility ferry named Hasna Hena struck the terminal pontoon with significant force.

A combined force of 15 divers from five Fire Service units, alongside the Coast Guard and Naval Police, managed to lift the submerged bus from a depth of nearly 30 feet using the salvage vessel Hamza. Local authorities are currently verifying the list of passengers to ensure no one else remains trapped in the river.