The death toll from a bus accident in central Bangladesh has risen to 26 after a passenger vehicle plunged into a river at a ferry terminal, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The bus, carrying around 40 passengers, fell into the Padma River on Wednesday at the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari district while attempting to board a ferry.
Rescue teams have so far recovered the bodies of seven men, 11 women, and eight children, according to police official Tapas Kumar Pal.
Many victims were found trapped inside the submerged vehicle.
Authorities have temporarily suspended the search operation but said it would resume if additional missing persons are reported.
District administrator Sultana Akhter announced that a panel of experts has been appointed to investigate the cause of the accident.
The team has been instructed to submit its findings within three days.
The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding ferry crossings and transport infrastructure in the region.