A passenger bus plunged into the Padma River in central Bangladesh. According to The Daily Star, at least 18 people fell victim to the tragedy.

The incident occurred on a pontoon while the bus was waiting to board a ferry to cross the river. Local authorities said the weather was calm at the time of the accident, suggesting a technical malfunction or driver error.

There were approximately 40 passengers on board. Eleven of them made it to shore, while the rest ended up in the water. The rescue operation to raise the bus from the river bottom lasted approximately six hours. The bodies of 18 victims were recovered. The fate of several others remains unknown.

The tragedy is the latest in a series of similar incidents in the country. Recently, Bangladesh has seen an increase in bus accidents on crossings and bridges. Local media are calling for stricter regulations for passenger transportation and increased oversight of vehicle maintenance.